Read this excerpt from The Call of the Wild by Jack London.

Question

Pike, who pulled at Buck's heels, and who never put an ounce more of his weight against the breast-band than he was compelled to do, was swiftly and repeatedly shaken for loafing; and ere the first day was done he was pulling more than ever before in his life. The first night in camp, Joe, the sour one, was punished roundly—a thing that Spitz had never succeeded in doing. Buck simply smothered him by virtue of superior weight, and cut him up till he ceased snapping and began to whine for mercy.

The general tone of the team picked up immediately. It recovered its old-time solidarity, and once more the dogs leaped as one dog in the traces. At the Rink Rapids two native huskies, Teek and Koona, were added; and the celerity with which Buck broke them in took away Francois's breath.

How does the team’s behavior support the theme "effective leaders generate success”?

The team responds favorably to Buck’s leadership.
The team works better with the addition of new dogs.
The team cooperates to honor Spitz’s memory.
The team enjoys the rewards Francois offers for hard work.

Answer 1

The behavior of the team in this excerpt supports the theme "effective leaders generate success" primarily through the idea that the team responds favorably to Buck’s leadership.

When Buck demonstrates his strength and ability to establish dominance over Joe, the sour dog, it leads to a positive change in the overall morale and performance of the team. The dogs begin to work cohesively as a unit again, indicating that Buck's leadership has restored their solidarity and effectiveness. This change in dynamics showcases how a strong and capable leader can inspire and unite a group to achieve greater success.

Additionally, Buck's ability to break in the new dogs, Teek and Koona, quickly and effectively further highlights his leadership qualities and the success that follows from a strong leader guiding the team. Overall, Buck's leadership transforms the team's performance, emphasizing the theme that effective leaders generate success.