The document provides an introduction to Jack London's novel "The Call of the Wild". It summarizes that the story follows a dog named Buck who is stolen from his home in California and sold as a sled dog in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck must learn to survive in the harsh climate and adapt to his new role, challenging the lead dog and learning the ways of his new environment. The document also provides background information on the Klondike Gold Rush, the indigenous use of sled dogs, and the breeds commonly used for sled dogs.

1. The Call of the Wild
Jack London
Introduction
Background
Discussion Starters
Menu

2. The Call of the Wild
Jack London

3. The Call of the Wild: Introduction
In a harsh and hostile environment like the Yukon
Territory,
survival is the ultimate challenge.

4. The Call of the Wild: Introduction
If strength, courage, and adaptability are the
keys to survival,
then our hero, Buck, stands a
pretty good chance.

5. The Call of the Wild: Introduction
When Buck is
stolen from his
comfortable home
in California and
sold as a sled dog,
he ends up working
in the bitter cold of
Alaska and Canada.

6. The Call of the Wild: Introduction
It’s not just the climate that’s changed.
The rules seem to be different, too.

7. The Call of the Wild: Introduction
In this new environment, Buck has to change the
way he
• sleeps
• eats
• relates to humans
• interacts with other
dogs

8. The Call of the Wild: Introduction
Buck is smart, tough, and alert.
He even challenges Spitz, the lead dog.
He learns quickly how to survive as a sled dog.

9. The Call of the Wild: Introduction
No sooner has Buck adapted, though, than things
begin to change again.
heavier loads,
New owners,
dangerously thin ice—
none of these changes will make life any easier
for Buck. Or will they?

10. The Call of the Wild: Background
In August 1896, gold—and lots
of it—was discovered in Rabbit
Creek in the Yukon Territory of
western Canada.

11. The Call of the Wild: Background
When news of the find reached the United States,
the Klondike gold rush was on.

12. The Call of the Wild: Background
The gold prospectors, known as “Klondikers,” faced
harsh conditions:
• temperatures 20 degrees below zero
• starvation and
malnutrition
• long journeys on foot
• hundreds of pounds of
supplies to transport

13. The Call of the Wild: Background
The indigenous people of Alaska and Canada
began using sled dogs more than 1,000 years ago.
They depended on
these dogs for
• protection
• transportation
• hunting
• companionship

14. The Call of the Wild: Background
In the late 1800s, settlers and explorers started
using the dogs to help them explore remote areas,
deliver mail, and look for gold.

15. The Call of the Wild: Background
Certain purebred dogs are commonly used as sled
dogs.
Alaskan malamutes
Siberian huskies
Samoyeds

16. The Call of the Wild: Background
Huskies, malamutes, and Samoyeds have a
protective outercoat and an insulating undercoat,
that helps them tolerate temperatures as low as
–70° F.

17. The Call of the Wild: Discussion Starters
Discuss (1)
The Call of the Wild is an unusual book because it
is told from the point of view of a dog.
• How do you think dogs view the world?
• How does a dog’s perspective differ from a
human’s? In what ways are the perspectives
similar?

18. The Call of the Wild: Discussion Starters
Discuss (2)
As Buck’s primitive, animal nature becomes
stronger, he feels a longing to live as a wild animal
instead of as a domesticated one.
• Do humans, like dogs, sometimes hear “the call
of the wild”?
• What do you do when you feel the need to get
closer to nature?