call of the wild Explain the character transformation that Buck experienced. Give details or evidence from the story.
In the novel "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London, Buck, a domesticated dog, undergoes a profound character transformation as he leaves his comfortable life in Santa Clara and embarks on a journey into the rugged wilderness of the Klondike Gold Rush. This transformation is marked by his gradual regression to a primitive state, as he adapts to the harsh realities of the wild and taps into his innate instincts.
At the beginning of the story, Buck is depicted as a pampered and well-cared-for dog living with Judge Miller in a suburban area. He is the epitome of domestication, having never experienced the harshness of the natural world. However, after being stolen and sold into sled dog service, Buck's world begins to change, and he is subjected to grueling physical labor.
One of the first major turning points in his transformation comes when Buck observes the brutal survival of the fittest amongst the dog team. He witnesses Curly, a friendly and inexperienced sled dog, being brutally killed by their fierce leader, Spitz. Buck learns that in the wild, only the strongest survive, and he must establish his place within the pack's hierarchy to ensure his own survival.
Buck's journey into the wild continues, and he endures difficult challenges, including extreme weather conditions, starvation, and encounters with hostile animals. These adversities force Buck to rely on his instincts and tap into his ancestral memories as a descendant of wolves. He becomes more hardened and aggressive, learning to fend for himself and assert his dominance.
As Buck's transformation progresses, he becomes the leader of his own team, overthrowing Spitz through a fierce and violent battle. This signifies his evolution from a domesticated dog to a wild, primal force. Under Buck's leadership, the sled team achieves remarkable feats and gains a reputation among other sled dog owners in the Klondike region.
Throughout the story, London highlights Buck's internal changes through vivid descriptions of his physical appearance: "Buck's muscles had doubled the mass of the average dog's," and "a great pads of calloused skin" develop on his injured feet. These physical transformations are reflective of his hardening, both mentally and emotionally, as he adapts to the wild.
In conclusion, Buck undergoes a significant character transformation throughout the novel "The Call of the Wild." He transitions from a comfortable and domesticated animal to a fierce and instinct-driven wild creature. Through the hardships he endures and the lessons he learns in the harsh wilderness, Buck taps into his ancestral instincts and becomes a strong and revered leader.