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The Call of the Wild by Jack London follows Buck, a domesticated dog who is thrust into the harsh wilderness of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. As Buck adapts to survival, leadership, and instinct, readers explore themes of resilience, freedom, and the natural world. This literature guide offers activities such as character analysis, thematic discussions, creative writing prompts, and vocabulary exercises to deepen understanding. Designed for middle and high school students, the guide is suitable for grades 7–12, making it an engaging tool for both classroom and independent study.
| Title: | The Call of the Wild |
| Author: | Jack London |
| Year Published: | 1903 |
| Suitable Grade Level: | Grades 7–12 |
| Key Themes: | – Survival and Adaptation: Buck’s journey from domesticated pet to wild leader highlights the instinctual drive for survival. – Nature vs. Civilization: Explores the tension between human control and the raw power of the wilderness. – Leadership and Loyalty: Examines hierarchy, respect, and bonds between animals and humans. – Instinct and Identity: Focuses on the pull of innate instincts and the journey of self-discovery. |
| Literary Elements: | – Characterization: Detailed portrayal of Buck’s growth and other sled dogs. – Setting: The harsh Yukon environment shapes the narrative and tests characters. – Plot Structure: Rising action, climax, and resolution centered on survival and transformation. – Conflict: Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Animal, and internal struggles of adaptation. – Symbolism: The wilderness represents freedom, challenge, and primal instincts. |
| Rhetorical Devices: | – Imagery: Vivid descriptions of snow, cold, and wilderness landscapes immerse readers. – Foreshadowing: Early events hint at Buck’s eventual transformation. – Anthropomorphism: Attributing human traits to Buck to deepen emotional engagement. – Metaphor: The wilderness as a testing ground for character and instinct. |
| Curriculum Connections: | – English Language Arts: Character analysis, thematic exploration, and narrative techniques. – Social Studies/History: Understanding the Klondike Gold Rush and frontier life. – Science/Biology: Animal behavior, adaptation, and survival instincts. – Critical Thinking: Comparing civilization vs. nature and discussing moral choices. – Creative Writing: Journals from Buck’s perspective or survival story scenarios. |
The Call of the Wild
The Call of the Wild by Jack London follows Buck, a domestic dog turned wild, on thrilling adventures in the Yukon. A classic tale of survival—available now on Amazon.
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