The Epic Journey of Buck in Call of the Wild
What are the key events in the plot of Call of the Wild?
Exposition- Call of the Wild starts with introducing Buck, a mixed-breed between a St. Bernard and a Sheepdog. He lives on the wealthy estate of Judge Miller during the late 1890’s. Buck is quickly sold into sled dogging and is sent to the Klondike region of Alaska and Canada. He soon realizes the new world he is in and learns that he needs to fight, or be killed.
Rising action- Buck's battle with Spitz could be seen as part of the rising action. Buck's struggle with Hal, Charles and Mercedes could also be contributed to the rising to the climax. When Buck fulfills Thorton's wager, it is the part before the climax.
Climax- Springtime has hit the Yukon and all the ice and snow has begun to melt. Buck's team reaches John Thornton’s camp and he tells them that “the bottom’s likely to drop out". Hal ignores Thorton and forces the dogs to get into harness. Buck refuses, taking a beating from Hal. Thorton rushes up, pushing Hal away and standing over Buck. He threatens to kill Hal if he hits Buck again. Thorton cuts Buck out of his traces and looks him over. The rest of the team moves on through the melting ice. With the sled a quarter-mile away, it drops into the water, and all the sled was gone. “You poor Devil,” said Thorton.
Falling Action- Buck’s time with Thorton leading up to Thorton’s death.
Resolution- The resolution is his complete and total return to the wild. He has finally answered his call and becomes a legend. Conflict- Buck’s struggle against his masters and his development from a tame dog into a wild beast.
Answer:
Throughout the story of Call of the Wild, Buck goes through a series of events that shape his transformation from a domesticated dog to a wild and legendary beast. The plot unfolds with the introduction of Buck's life at Judge Miller's estate, his journey into sled dogging in the Klondike region, and his realization of the harsh realities of the wild.
Let's delve deeper into the key events:
In the exposition, readers are introduced to Buck's comfortable life at Judge Miller's estate, setting the stage for his eventual entry into the brutal world of sled dogging. This marks the beginning of Buck's transformation as he faces the challenges of survival in the harsh wilderness of Alaska and Canada.
During the rising action, Buck's encounters with rival dogs and humans serve as stepping stones towards the climax of the story. His battle with Spitz and his struggles with Hal, Charles, and Mercedes contribute to his growth and evolution as a wild and relentless dog.
The climax of the story is a pivotal moment when Buck defies the orders of Hal and asserts his wild nature by refusing to work in dangerous conditions. This act of rebellion leads to a dramatic turn of events that ultimately brings Buck closer to his true calling in the wild.
As the story progresses, the falling action captures Buck's bond with John Thornton and the events leading up to Thornton's tragic death. This phase of the plot further solidifies Buck's connection to the wild and his ultimate destiny.
The resolution of the story culminates in Buck's complete transformation into a legendary figure of the wilderness. His journey from a domestic pet to a wild beast highlights the central conflict of the story - Buck's struggle against his masters and his ultimate embrace of his primal instincts.
Overall, the plot of Call of the Wild unfolds a captivating tale of survival, transformation, and the eternal call of the wild that resonates with readers through Buck's extraordinary journey.