In The Call of the Wild, what valiant, tragic figure among the dogs must finally be put down for the good of the lives of the team
If you've read the book, this should be an easy question to answer. Which dog was "put down," "put to sleep," killed, euthanized?
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In The Call of the Wild, the valiant and tragic figure among the dogs who must finally be put down for the good of the team is named Buck. Buck is the main character of the novel and undergoes a transformation from a domesticated pet to a wild, resilient sled dog.
To understand this aspect of the story, I suggest reading The Call of the Wild by Jack London. By reading the book, you will have a rich and immersive experience, allowing you to grasp the life and journey of Buck, along with the events that lead to his ultimate fate.
The book follows Buck's adventures as he is kidnapped from his comfortable home in California and taken to the harsh and brutal Klondike region of Yukon, Canada, during the Gold Rush. Buck is sold to various owners and eventually ends up pulling a sled in the harsh conditions of the Northland.
Throughout the story, Buck gradually reverts to his primal instincts and becomes a skilled and powerful sled dog. However, as the narrative progresses, Buck faces increasing challenges and obstacles. Eventually, a struggle for leadership ensues among the dog team, and Buck must assert his dominance.
In a climactic moment for the narrative, Buck is forced to assert his dominance by killing another dog, Spitz, who had been the team's lead dog. This act establishes Buck as the new leader of the team and secures his position. Although this act is necessary for Buck's survival and the safety of the team, it also marks a significant loss of his former domesticated self.
As the story continues, Buck's wild nature becomes more prominent, and he becomes less compatible with human society. Eventually, he finds himself drawn to the call of the wild, and after a series of adventures and encounters, he joins a wolf pack, fully embracing his newfound freedom and wild nature.
However, while Buck finds his place in the wild, his journey ultimately ends in tragedy. At the end of the book, Buck's exploration of the wilderness takes him to a place where he witnesses a group of wolves preparing to attack a group of humans. In a selfless act, Buck rushes in to protect the humans, but in the ensuing conflict, he is grievously injured. Recognizing the danger Buck poses to society due to his wild nature, and to prevent further conflict, the humans make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize him.
Understanding the valiant, tragic figure of Buck in The Call of the Wild requires immersing yourself in Jack London's narrative. By reading the novel, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Buck's journey, his transformation, and his ultimate sacrifice for the greater good of the team and the humans he encountered along the way.