chapter 6

the call of the wild

explain the inner conflict that bvegins to trouble Buck? Idk... is it that he is afraid of losing Thorton, or is it that he wants to return to the wild

thanks

In Chapter 6 of "The Call of the Wild," Buck, the protagonist, experiences an inner conflict as he is torn between two desires. On one hand, he has developed a deep bond with John Thornton, his human companion, and is fearful of losing him. On the other hand, Buck begins to feel a strong longing for the wild and the call of his ancestral instincts.

To better understand this inner conflict, it is important to analyze certain passages and events in the chapter. Here are a few key moments that contribute to Buck's inner conflict:

1. Buck's struggles in the traces: Buck is finding it increasingly difficult to adapt to life as a sled dog. He often strains against the traces, longing for more freedom. This physical discomfort begins to stimulate his primitive instincts, making him yearn for the wild.

2. The fight with Spitz: During a violent encounter with Spitz, the lead dog of the team, Buck taps into his deep well of primal strength and defeats him. This victory solidifies Buck's sense of power and awakens his confidence in his own abilities.

3. John Thornton's presence: As Buck forms a bond with John Thornton, a compassionate and caring human, he experiences genuine love and loyalty toward him. He becomes attached to Thornton, and a fear of losing this newfound relationship begins to develop within him.

4. The white water escapade: In one incident, Buck is caught up in a treacherous river current during a log drive. In this life-or-death situation, his wild instincts take over, and he demonstrates remarkable survival skills. This experience further awakens his natural instincts and intensifies his longing for the untamed wilderness.

So, to answer your question about Buck's inner conflict, it is a combination of both his fear of losing John Thornton, whom he has grown to love and trust, and his increasing desire to return to the wild. As the story progresses, Buck's struggle between loyalty and his innate pull toward freedom and the natural world becomes a central theme.