Use evidence from the passage to support your character failures or accomplishments in the book The Call of the Wild by Jack London.
In the book The Call of the Wild by Jack London, there are several instances where the characters display both failures and accomplishments. One of the notable character failures can be observed in the behavior of Buck, the protagonist, when he initially enters the harsh world of the Klondike gold rush. However, as the narrative progresses, we also witness Buck's remarkable ability to adapt and his eventual accomplishments in surviving and thriving in the wild.
In the beginning, Buck experiences failures as he struggles to confront the harsh realities of his new environment. London writes, "It was all unlike anything he had ever seen, unlike anything he had ever imagined" (Chapter 1). This highlights Buck's unfamiliarity with the Klondike. His previous pampered life as a pet in a California household ill-prepared him for the challenges he now faces in the wilderness. This can be perceived as a failure on Buck's part, as he initially struggles to understand and adapt to the new world around him.
Furthermore, Buck's early experiences also showcase his failures in asserting dominance among the other sled dogs. London describes how Buck becomes "thoroughly beaten" by the experienced sled dog, Spitz (Chapter 2). This failure underscores Buck's initial lack of strength, knowledge, and adaptation to the harsh rules of survival in the wild. It highlights his failure to establish his dominance and initially positions him as a vulnerable character.
However, as the story unfolds, Buck undergoes a remarkable transformation, displaying various accomplishments along the way. He learns to adapt and embrace his wild instincts, eventually becoming the leader of a wolf pack. This accomplishment is evident in London's description of Buck's physical changes: "His muscles had wasted away to knotty strings, but the strength in him, the ferocity, was as ferocious as ever" (Chapter 6). This evidence illustrates Buck's physical prowess and his successful transformation into a wild, dominant creature capable of survival in the brutal Klondike environment.
Additionally, Buck's accomplishments are highlighted when he intervenes to save John Thornton, his beloved human companion, from drowning. London describes how "Buck jumped in the big solitaire and dragged [John Thornton] shoreward" (Chapter 6). This act of heroism reflects Buck's deep loyalty and love for Thornton, demonstrating his ability to understand, care for, and protect those he values. This accomplishment establishes Buck as not only a strong and independent animal but also a loyal and compassionate character.
In The Call of the Wild, Jack London skillfully presents the failures and accomplishments of Buck, demonstrating his initial struggles and eventual growth as he adapts to the harsh wilderness of the Klondike. Through Buck's challenges and achievements, London underscores the theme of survival and the transformative power of the wild, emphasizing that failures can lead to accomplishments with determination, adaptation, and perseverance.