In The Call of the Wild, would this new theory have worked for Buck? Why or why not? (Use examples from the novel as support.)
Without specifying what the new theory or hypothesis is, it is difficult to directly determine whether it would have worked for Buck in The Call of the Wild. However, by analyzing basic aspects of Buck's journey and character, some insights can be derived to discuss the potential effectiveness of a new approach.
Throughout the novel, Buck undergoes a transformation from a domesticated dog to a wild and primal creature. He demonstrates exceptional adaptability and resilience as he adjusts to the harsh conditions of the Klondike. Buck thrives in a world governed by the law of the club and the fang, where physical strength and survival instincts are paramount.
Given this context, any new theory or approach would need to align with Buck's innate instincts and inclinations for it to be successful. For example, early on in the novel, we witness Buck's initial encounters with other dogs and how his dominant nature instinctively emerges. The novel describes Buck's dominant spirit, saying "He had become a thing of the wild, stealing along softly, surviving cunningly, and outwitting the most watchful. He had become cunning. To be cunning means to be a thing of duplicity or versatility, of days and nights being animal-like, of days and nights being human-like."
Another example can be found in Buck's adaptation to the harsh living conditions. Buck quickly realizes that his survival is dependent on surrendering himself to the primitive instincts of his ancestors. He learns to dig a hole in the snow to sleep, kill and eat animals to sustain himself, and respond aggressively to threats. His success lies in his ability to adapt his behavior according to the new environment.
Therefore, in order for a new theory to work for Buck, it would need to tap into his primal nature and align with his inherent instincts. It should exploit his strength, cunning, and adaptability, and refrain from suppressing or attempting to domesticate him as it contradicts his transformation throughout the novel.
To conclude definitively whether the new theory would have worked for Buck, the actual nature of the theory must be clarified. However, based on Buck's character and journey in The Call of the Wild, it can be argued that for any new approach to succeed, it must align with his wild instincts and allow him to embrace his primal nature.