THE CALL OF THE WILD

Jack London

Jack London

Jack London was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in Oakland, California.

He left school after eighth grade, and began taking various jobs.

At age 19, he returned to high school to finish his education.

Jack London

Among the many experiences in Jack London’s life, the most important was his participation in the Klondike gold rush from 1897 to 1899.

London wrote many stories (The Call of the Wild included) based on his experiences in the “Northland.”

He did not find much gold in Canada, but did find a plethora of stories to tell upon his return.

Jack London

London eventually grew tired of writing about his experiences in Northland, but decided eventually to write one last story, which would serve as the basis for The Call of the Wild.

The Call of the Wild was published in The Saturday Evening Post, a newspaper, between June 20 and July 18, 1903.

The Call of the Wild

The Call of the Wild recalls the story of a Southland dog named Buck.

Buck is forced to forget the instincts he has lived by, and must adapt to the cruel and primitive Northland.

Characters

Buck – part Scotch shepherd, part St. Bernard; the main character.

Judge – Buck’s original owner, he provides Buck with a domesticated life.

Perrault – a French Canadian who buys Buck first.

Francois – a French Canadian who teams with Perrault

Characters

Curly – a good-natured Newfoundland bought by Perrault.

Spitz – a treacherously friendly, underhanded white dog.

Dave – an experienced dog that primarily eats and sleeps, and wants to be left alone.

Sol-leks – The Angry One, blind in one eye, and wants to be left alone.

Characters

Hal – a 19-20 year old who carries a revolver.

Charles – A middle-aged man with weak eyes and a moustache.

Mercedes – Charles’ wife and Hal’s sister.

John Thornton – owner of a camp at White River, he saves Buck from death.

Characters

Skeet – an Irish Setter at John’s camp who tends to Buck’s injuries.

Nig – a half-Bloodhound, half-Deerhound at John’s camp.

“Black” Burton – an evil and malicious man who is attacked by Buck.

Buck (St. Bernard/Collie*)

** A Scotch Shepherd is another name for a Collie.

Curly (Newfoundland

Spitz (Snow-white Spitz)

Dave (Possibly Malamute)

Sol-leks, Billie, Joe, Dollie, Pike, and Dub (Husky)

Skeet (Irish Setter) and Nig (Bloodhound/Deerhound)