The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Name: The Call of the Wild
Author: Jack London

The Call of the Wild is a novel by Jack London, published in 1903. It tells the story of Buck, a large and powerful dog, who is stolen from his home in California and sold into service as a sled dog in the Yukon during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. Buck is forced to adjust to the harsh conditions of the Yukon and the unkind treatment of his owners. He eventually learns to survive in the harsh environment and is eventually adopted by a kindly man named John Thornton. Buck and Thornton form a strong bond, and Buck eventually learns to lead the other dogs in the team. When Thornton is killed by a group of Yeehat Indians, Buck embarks on a quest for revenge. He eventually finds the Yeehat tribe and leads a pack of wolves in an attack against them. After the attack, Buck returns to his home in California, where he is reunited with his beloved master. The novel is an exploration of the themes of loyalty, courage, and the power of nature. It is considered a classic of American literature and has been adapted into several films.

By Jack London · First published 1903 · Genre: Adventure Fiction, Naturalism, Realism · 7 chapters · 32,021 words

First lines

"Old longings nomadic leap, Chafing at custom's chain; Again from its brumal sleep Wakens the ferine strain."

Buck did not read the newspapers, or he would have known that trouble was brewing, not alone for himself, but for every tide- water dog, strong of muscle and with warm, long hair, from Puget Sound to San Diego. Because men, groping in the Arctic darkness, had found a yellow metal, and because steamship and transportation companies were booming the find, thousands of men were rushing into the Northland. These men wanted dogs, and the dogs they wanted were heavy dogs, with strong muscles by which to toil, and furry coats to protect them from the frost.

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The Call of the Wild is listed on Textopian as a novel by Jack London, dated 1903 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Jack London
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure Fiction, Naturalism, Realism, Historical Fiction
Length: 32,021 words
Structure: 7 chapters, 913 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure Fiction — The novel follows the protagonist, Buck, as he is taken from his comfortable home in California and thrust into the harsh realities of the Klondike Gold Rush. He must learn to survive in the wild and is forced to confront the harsh realities of nature.
Naturalism — The novel explores the idea of nature as a force that shapes and controls the lives of its characters. London emphasizes the power of nature and its ability to shape and control the lives of its characters.
Realism — The novel is written in a realistic style, with vivid descriptions of the harsh environment and the struggles of the characters. London's writing style is realistic and detailed, emphasizing the struggles of the characters in the wild.
Historical Fiction — The novel is set during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, and London's writing style is heavily influenced by the historical context of the time period. The novel is a reflection of the time period and its struggles.