About the Author
Jack London was born in San Francisco on January 12, 1876. Raised in poverty, he started working part-time to support his family at the age […]
The Call of the Wild
Overview and Setting
Overview A gripping, fast-paced tale of adventure, The Call of the Wild focuses on Buck, a pampered sheepdog stolen from a California ranch and transported […]
Themes and Characters
Because The Call of the Wild focuses upon Buck’s experience, the human Characters are of secondary importance. Buck is a magnificent dog, part shepherd and […]
Literary Qualities
The Call of the Wild exemplifies the features of a turn-of-the-century movement known as literary naturalism: the story is presented realistically and directly, and dramatizes […]
Social Sensitivity
To audiences who have been entertained by Rambo-style killings, the violence in The Call of the Wild will seem mild. Nevertheless, the ferocity of the […]
Topics for Discussion
1. Compare Buck’s life on the ranch with his life in the wild. Which is better for Buck? Why? 2. What qualities does Buck have […]
Ideas for Reports and Papers
1. London’s book White Fang tells the story of a wild dog who becomes tamed. Compare White Fang to The Call of the Wild. Which […]
Related Titles and Adaptation
The Call of the Wild has been adapted to film several times. A 1923 version directed by Hal Roach starred Jack Mulhall. In 1935, William […]