Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Call of the Wild by Jack London

"The Call of the Wild" is a captivating novel that portrays the journey of Buck, a domesticated dog, who is taken away from his home in the sunny Santa Clara Valley, and brought to the harsh and unforgiving world of the Yukon during the gold rush of the 1890s. This literary masterpiece is a tale of survival, adventure, and self-discovery that has captivated the hearts of readers for over a century.

The book is divided into seven parts, each of which chronicles a specific period in Buck's life. The first part introduces us to Buck, a St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix who lives a life of luxury with his owner Judge Miller in California. However, Buck's comfortable life is cut short when he is sold to a group of men who plan to use him as a sled dog in the Yukon. The harsh realities of the north quickly become apparent as Buck is beaten and mistreated by his new owners, and he slowly begins to adapt to his new surroundings and learn the ways of the wild.

In the second part, Buck is sold to a kinder owner, John Thornton, who treats him with love and respect. Buck becomes deeply devoted to Thornton and saves his life on several occasions. However, the call of the wild is too strong, and Buck begins to feel a pull towards the wilderness and his ancestral roots. He becomes restless and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.

In the third part, Buck embarks on a series of adventures that lead him deep into the heart of the Yukon. He becomes the leader of a wolf pack and engages in fierce battles with other dogs and wild animals. The fourth part of the book is a turning point in Buck's life, where he has a vision of a primitive man that represents his wild ancestors. He begins to feel a spiritual connection to his roots and realizes that he must embrace his wild nature in order to survive.

In the fifth part, Buck is captured by a group of Native Americans who use him as a sled dog. He is eventually rescued by Thornton but is deeply traumatized by the experience. In the sixth part, Buck and Thornton set out on a quest to find a legendary gold mine. However, their journey ends in tragedy when Thornton is killed by a group of Native Americans. Buck, filled with grief and rage, kills the Native Americans and retreats into the wilderness.

In the final part of the book, Buck becomes the leader of a wolf pack and lives out the rest of his days in the wild. This novel explores the themes of survival, instinct, and the search for identity. It is a powerful and moving story that highlights the innate desire of all living beings to discover their true purpose in life and to find their place in the world.

Overall, "The Call of the Wild" is a timeless classic that is not only a great adventure story but also a reflection of the human condition. The novel has the ability to transport readers to a different time and place and to make them feel the emotions and experiences of Buck and the other characters in the book. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys great literature and wants to explore the depths of the human psyche.