Chapter 3 - The Ecstasy of Life

As Buck becomes involved in hunting down rabbits, he feels great joy: "There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise...this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive." Have you ever felt so focused on what you're experiencing that you forget everything else and simply take joy in the moment? Tell us about it!

Chapter 3 - Buck Stirs Up Trouble

Despite Buck's pride in his work with the sled dog team, he begins to cause trouble with the team, including starting fights and causing the sled to become tangled. Why does Buck cause this mischief, despite his pride in his work? Do you admire this troublemaking of Buck's? Why or why not?

Striking it Rich

In The Call of the Wild, we're learning that what with cold, snow, and ice, searching for gold in Alaska is tough work. What would you be willing to do just for the remote chance of suddenly striking it rich?

It's a Dog's Life!

From what you know of dogs, do you think that author Jack London has done a good job so far in letting us see how Buck thinks and feels? Give an example to support your opinion.

Chapter 2 - Being Good in an Evil Environment?

As chapter 2 comes to a close, we learn that Buck's sense of what is good and bad is changing. When he lived with the Judge and his family, "it was all well enough...to respect private property...but in the Northland...whoso took such things into account was a fool..." What does Buck do in this chapter that he would have considered morally wrong before he was kidnapped? Do you think Buck was right or wrong to stop behaving morally? Why or why not?

Chapter 1 - Responding to Power

Buck's various efforts to fight back with his captors end up causing him only more pain. After the man in the red sweater thrashes him brutally with a club, Buck "was beaten...but he was not broken." How would you describe Buck's strategy for coping with this terrible situation? Can you give an example of a time when you had to deal with someone more powerful than yourself?