MindMap Gallery The Call of the Wild

The Call of the Wild

The Call of the Wild mind map is Adventure based Novel. Buck, a big and kindhearted dog, a crossbreed between a St. Bernard and a Scotch Collie, was stolen from his home in Santa Clara County, California, and deported up north, to be sold in Skagway, Alaska, and taken even further north, to Dawson City, Yukon, during the late 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, when strong sled dogs were in high demand. Buck, a dog unlike any other, who had been spoiled and mistreated but could not be broken, is enjoying the time of his life as a newbie to the dog team delivery business - and not long before becoming their front-runner - is having the time of his life. Forced to struggle for survival, he is eventually carried to the Arctic Circle by his last owner, John Thornton, somewhere between Yukon and Alaska, where he gradually relies on his basic instincts, abandons civilization, and responds to "the call of the wild" as lord of his own domain. Thornton appears and rescues Buck while Hal forces the other sled dogs to cross the lake. Under Thornton's care, Buck recovers. Later, at a saloon, Thornton is attacked by Hal, who reveals the dogs managed to run off leaving him with nothing.

Edited at 2022-08-22 09:58:09

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The Call of the Wild

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Outline

The Call of the Wild

Overview

Set primarily in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush, The Call of the Wild follows the experiences of Buck, a St. Bernard and sheepdog mix, as he is kidnapped from his easy domesticated life and forced to work as a sled dog. As he adjusts to his ever-changing situation, Buck survives by tapping into his primitive, wild side.

Themes

Law & Order

As Buck's situation changes, he encounters different rules by which he must live.

Civilization vs. the Wild

Buck's journey from domesticity to embracing his more primitive self is a central tension.

Belonging

Buck's relationships with humans and other dogs shape his ability to fit into their worlds.

Knowledge & Power

Both instinctive and learned knowledge help Buck gain dominance.

Main Characters

Spitz

Leader of the dogsled team until Buck masters him

Dave

Gritty dog; teaches Buck about being part of dogsled team

Mercedes

Hal's helpless, selfish sister

Curly

Female dog killed for being too friendly

John thronton

Rescues Buck from Hal's mistreatment

Hal

Young gold prospector,Buck's harsh master

Buck

Kidnapped from domestic ease; discovers his wild side in the Klondike

Numbering

1897

Year London set off for the Yukon

Age when London quit school and left his California home for adventure

$750

Amount the Saturday Evening Post originally paid for the story

10,000

Books in the first printing, which immediately sold out

Motifs

Violence

Beatings, killings, and fighting for mastery irrevocably change Buck's life after his kidnapping.

Visions

Buck's visions open a window to a more primitive time, in which both humans and dogs were less domesticated.

Author

JACK LONDON 1876-1916

London was one of the most prolific, popular, and romanticized writers of his time. The Call of the Wild was based on his experiences as a prospector in the Yukon. An instant favorite, it garnered London lasting fame and was followed by many other novels, including the adventure tale White Fang.