Top 8 Essays Analyzing the Excerpt from "The Call of the Wild"

We all feel deeply moved by the bond between the young man Santiago and his flock of sheep. Once again, the relationship between humans and animals is vividly portrayed by author Jack London in the excerpt from 'The Call of the Wild'. We are also astounded by the intelligence of the dog Buck.

The meeting between Buck and John Thornton is a stroke of luck for him, as he finds in Thornton 'an ideal master'. Looking back on the twists and turns of his life, Buck has never had a master who truly loved him like Thornton. For Mr. Tham, 'it was a formal and honorable friendship', for his children 'it was a responsibility', and for Pe-ron, Pho-rang-xoa, and E-cot, it was 'duty and business interests'... They passed through his life like a fleeting wind, leaving no lasting impression. Thornton, however, is not just Buck's savior, but he also loves the dog as if it were his own child. His treatment of the pack of dogs is intimate: greetings, friendly talk...

These moments of casual conversation convey the sincere, simple affection of the owner toward his beloved animals. Through a series of verbs, the author vividly depicts Thornton's passionate love for Buck: 'he gripped its head tightly, pressing his head against it, pushing back and forth, softly muttering curses.' The love is expressed through concrete actions, selflessly coming from a compassionate heart. Thornton cherishes and wants to protect the dogs. Perhaps he listens to Buck's silent voice when he wants to shout: 'You almost know how to speak.' His heart is the melody of love that holds Buck's inherent goodness and acts as a strong guiding force to prevent the dog from succumbing to its instincts.

Jack London is renowned for his ability to delve into the world of animals. Not only does he explore the wild lives of wolves in the Arctic in his novel 'White Fang', but in this excerpt, he also paints Buck as an intelligent dog. He is truly domesticated when he lives under Thornton's care. The way he responds to his master's affection during their playful moments is unique: 'he opens his mouth to bite Thornton's hand, pressing his teeth so hard that his bite leaves a mark on the skin for a while.' This playful gesture is accepted by Thornton as an act of affection. They share a deep connection, understanding each other's feelings. The gaze between them is magical, with both their eyes shining with genuine emotion.

Buck's reaction to Thornton's care shows that he is a quick-witted and endearing animal. 'He jumps up on two legs, grinning with his eyes sparkling.' He understands his master's extraordinary affection, and an overwhelming feeling of joy floods his heart: 'There was nothing more blissful, as if his heart would leap out of his body in ecstasy.' That moment marked the true beginning of his life. The author's subtle pen allows us to explore Buck's inner world, explaining his intelligence. The use of personification helps us feel the deep soul of Buck. Many nights, he pondered the constant changes in masters, fearing that no one would stay with him forever, that Thornton might disappear from his life. The thoughts of the animal show that he is 'seasoned', and despite his strength in pulling sleds, Buck desires the care of a truly loving master.

Not only humans, but animals too have complex emotional ties, and Jack London understands this well. With his reflections, Buck displays behaviors different from other dogs. He is often haunted by the fear of abandonment, so sometimes he suddenly awakens: 'he leaps up, unable to sleep, listening to his master's steady breathing...'. This thought shapes his love into a form of 'worship'. He does not eagerly seek Thornton's attention, but is cautious. A series of verbs accurately reflects Buck's cleverness: 'he crouches, gazes up at him, observing, paying close attention to every fleeting expression...'. The author's bold imagination brings Buck to life on the page. He truly is a clever, loyal dog.

We were once deeply impressed by the work 'The Adventures of a Cricket' by Vietnamese author To Hoai, witnessing the fascinating journey of the cricket with its keen observations. Now, we are also deeply moved by Jack London's portrayal of animal love in the excerpt from 'The Call of the Wild', where he skillfully and creatively paints the 'thoughts and feelings' of Buck the dog.

'The Call of the Wild' (1903) is one of the most famous works by G. London. The novel is a result of his trips with gold prospecting groups to the northern parts of Canada near the Arctic. The story narrates the fate of Buck, a strong and intelligent domestic dog. Buck is kidnapped and brought to the Arctic to pull sleds for the gold miners. He endures many cruel masters, until he meets John Thornton, the only one who truly loves him and transforms him. Thornton's group of gold hunters, along with their dogs, venture deeper into the wild, cold northern forests. Living amidst such a harsh and untamed nature, the call of the wild from the forest, from ancient ancestors, awakens within Buck. Gradually, he becomes a fierce, cunning, and large dog, devoted solely to Thornton.

But then, Thornton and the whole group tragically die in the forest. Nothing can keep Buck tied to humanity anymore, and he forever follows the wild call of the wolves and becomes a terrifying wolf. The novel captivates readers through its portrayal of the wild, severe, and mysterious northern landscapes, as well as the 'society' of the gold seekers in this snow-covered land. This society is filled with strong, confident, brave, and kind individuals like Thornton, as well as greedy, foolish, and cruel ones like Hans. The story is particularly engaging because of its vivid depiction of the emotional lives of dogs. How did the author capture such detailed descriptions of Buck's emotional world, as found in the excerpt in the 9th grade literature textbook? It comes from the author's keen observational skill. G. London does not anthropomorphize the dogs. He merely describes them accurately, carefully, and minutely. The emotional expressions of the dogs in the excerpt reflect their species, yet the author, with his talent for observation, also notices their differences. Skik, Nick, and Buck all love and are loyal to Thornton, but each expresses it differently. Skik enjoys being petted and cuddled, often 'sticking her nose under Thornton's hand and nudging until she is petted.' Nick shows a more enthusiastic, clumsy affection, 'often jumping up and resting his large head on Thornton's knee.'

Especially, every action and expression of Buck is observed and described with exceptional precision. It seems that Buck has emotions similar to humans. At times, Buck 'leaps up on two legs, his mouth smiling, eyes sparkling, and his throat vibrating with sounds that can't be described...' This happens when Buck is overjoyed by Thornton's playful teasing. At other times, Buck expresses affection like a child: 'He often opens his mouth to bite Thornton's hand, pressing down hard, leaving teeth marks on the skin for a long while.' These are moments when Buck's affection for Thornton bursts forth. It's fascinating to read the description of Buck's reverence for Thornton. The descriptions reflect actions typical of dogs, but we often fail to grasp their deeper meaning. Only when reading this excerpt from 'The Call of the Wild' do we understand the 'loyalty' of these dogs: 'He would lie quietly at Thornton's feet for hours, his eager eyes watching his face, paying close attention to every passing expression, every subtle movement.' Moreover, the author is very sensitive in observing that 'Buck never wants to leave Thornton's side. From the moment Thornton leaves the tent until he returns,' this stems from Buck's instinctive fear, an intuitive feeling of impending danger, and the sense that death could strike his master at any time.

This is Buck's fear of losing Thornton (which later becomes a tragic reality): 'The constant changes in masters since Buck came to the northern land had made him fear that no master could stay long. He feared that Thornton might vanish from his life, just like Peron and Françoise, and the two half-breed Eskimos who had come and gone earlier. Even at night, in his dreams, this fear haunted him. During those times, he would suddenly get up, unable to sleep, slither through the cold to the edge of the tent, and stand there, listening to his master's steady breathing.' The excerpt from 'The Call of the Wild' reflects G. London's keen observation and his ability to depict animal life. However, the real appeal of this excerpt and the entire novel 'The Call of the Wild' is not just in that, but in how Buck awakens within us the pure, selfless emotions of humanity. Those who truly love and care for animals are less likely to commit evil deeds and are more likely to live noble, compassionate lives with humans.

In the world of literature and the arts, each writer seeks their own path. Even when exploring the same theme, they will find unique ways of writing to create their own distinct voice. Most of the works we've read focus on portraying the psychology of the characters. Delving into a character's psychology is never easy. But what about capturing the psychology of animals? Surely, this is much more difficult. The author Jack London was not afraid of the challenge; he wrote about dogs, animals that are very close to humans, and explored their emotions as we see in his work 'The Call of the Wild.'

The excerpt featuring Buck the dog is from Chapter 6. This passage gives us the clearest insight into this animal's character. Without delving deeply into creating suspense or providing an overload of details, Jack London focuses on the emotional connection between humans and dogs. This is perhaps the very factor that makes the work so captivating.

When discussing the affection humans feel for dogs, we cannot overlook Thornton's love for Buck. For any dog, Thornton is an ideal master. After acquiring Buck, Thornton treated him sincerely, like a little friend. He cared for Buck until his last breath. Thornton treated all his sled dogs with the same tenderness, as if they were his own children. For many, dogs are loyal, intelligent, and obedient companions, but for Jack London, they are much more.

Dogs are not just animals helping their owners in their work; they are dear friends, close companions who endure hardships together. When we compare Thornton with Buck's previous owners, Thornton's image shines brighter. While Judge Miller cared for Buck out of duty and responsibility, and the gold seekers saw Buck as a tool for profit, Thornton treated Buck as a father would his child. His affection for Buck stemmed from sincerity and simplicity, yet it carried an undeniable charm.

Buck’s intelligence allowed him to understand all the gestures of affection and love Thornton gave him. Thus, Buck returned Thornton’s love with intense passion. Buck could distinguish between different masters and treated each one accordingly. For instance, with the Miller family, Buck was respectful and formal. But with Thornton, it was different. Buck loved Thornton with a fiery, intense devotion. He had never expressed such affection for anyone else. Buck showed his love in a special way, by pressing his teeth into Thornton's hand. While other dogs might eagerly jump on their masters, Buck quietly observed and worshipped Thornton in his own way. Looking into Buck's eyes, we can see that he dedicates all his love, respect, gratitude, and complete submission to his master. It is this love for Thornton that made Buck terrified of losing him. The fear of losing Thornton haunted him. This is evident when Buck slithers through the cold, reaching the edge of the tent, standing there listening to Thornton’s steady breathing. One can confidently say that Buck's soul is entirely different from other dogs. And perhaps only Thornton could awaken such a soul.

Jack London, with all his love for this small creature, combined with his literary talent, crafted a vivid, realistic, and captivating image of Buck. Thornton’s love for Buck is likely a reflection of London’s own affection for dogs, the loyal companions of humans. Buck's image will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of readers.

Jack London (1876 – 1916) was an American author, born as John Griffith London in San Francisco. He endured a difficult childhood and worked various jobs to make a living. London began his writing career by publishing short stories in a student newspaper. The peak of his creative career came at the beginning of the 20th century. The excerpt from 'The Call of the Wild' tells the story of Buck, a dog who is kidnapped and taken to the Arctic to pull a sled for gold hunters. Buck passes through the hands of several cruel masters, and only John Thornton shows him true kindness. After Thornton's death, Buck abandons humanity and follows the call of the wild, becoming a wild dog. This excerpt vividly portrays the deep affection Thornton has for Buck, and vice versa.

Thornton's feelings for Buck are exceptional. In his eyes, Buck is not just a dog; he is a fellow creature, a friend, and a beloved child. Thornton not only saves Buck's life, but he also becomes a father to him, for only a father could care for a child with such love, dedication, and boundless affection. Thornton's care is unique and surpasses that of anyone else, even beyond the way his own children or relatives might be treated. He greets Buck warmly, speaks cheerfully, and engages in casual conversations, making both of them enjoy each other's company. The most affectionate gesture is when Thornton 'grips Buck’s head tightly, resting his own head against it,' pushing gently back and forth. In these joyful moments, Buck hears what he interprets as 'sweet, affectionate words.' Thornton's love for Buck is encapsulated in his words: 'My God! You almost speak!' It’s like a child learning to speak, trying to communicate in a language that humans can understand. Thornton's heart overflows with love for his animal companion. This affection is expressed through both gestures and words, growing in tenderness and devotion, with each moment strengthening the bond between them.

Moved by Thornton’s genuine love, Buck is truly 'captured' and 'conquered.' Dogs, creatures well-known to humans, are described by the author with such realism, as seen in the depictions of Skeet, Nig, and Buck. Buck displays a special affection for Thornton, responding to the love he receives. When he meets Thornton, he is amazed and overwhelmed by the great love that has come into his life. Buck often 'bites Thornton’s hand playfully, pressing his teeth so firmly that the imprint remains on his skin for a long time.' He understands that this biting gesture is an expression of affection. Yet, Buck is a dog with dignity, and he restrains his 'affectionate bites.' In this, he differs from the other dogs, like Skeet, who habitually 'pushes her nose under her master’s hand,' or Nig, who 'nuzzles his massive head onto Thornton's knee.' Buck is quiet, reserved, observing every slight movement or change in Thornton’s expression, not out of suspicion, but with a deep joy, looking up with eager, alert eyes. However, his happiness is fragile, as he fears that this wonderful dream might someday disappear, slipping out of his grasp. At night, in his restless fear, Buck often wakes up and 'crawls through the cold to the edge of the tent, standing there, listening to his master’s steady breathing.' Only the sound of Thornton’s calm breath can restore Buck’s sense of peace.

This excerpt not only showcases the remarkable imagination of the author but also expresses his deep love for animals. What Jack London wishes to convey to us is the importance of loving animals wholeheartedly, especially those that are loyal and affectionate.

As if following a group of people on a journey to the Alaskan wilderness, where the vast, snow-covered Arctic and the intense, unforgettable scenes and people leave a powerful impression. Among the most touching and beautifully written parts are those about Buck the dog, particularly the emotional bond between John Thornton and Buck. The author doesn't focus on describing the dog's appearance or instinctual behavior but delves into its inner world—the soul of the animal—which seems to carry an exceptionally rare and moving sense of humanity. The passage “Buck the dog” is a beautifully poetic portrayal of the deep, heartfelt bond between humans and their pets.

Perhaps due to the harsh days of pulling sleds and encountering cruel masters, Buck came to truly understand the meaning of human kindness. The food it earned was through beatings and the charity of ruthless gold-seeking men. Therefore, when Buck was saved by John Thornton, it finally experienced “true, deep affection for the first time.” Before being kidnapped to the Arctic, Buck had a brief taste of care during its time with Judge Miller's household in the warm, sunlit Santa Clara Valley. Buck would never forget those peaceful yet fleeting days. The hunting trips and wandering with Judge Miller's sons were simply “business relationships,” and with his younger grandchildren, it was more of a “protective duty with arrogant pride.” For Judge Miller, Buck's affection was “a formal and honorable friendship.”

London created a unique description of the relationship between Buck and the Miller family members. Buck was just a hunting dog, a houseguard, and a pet. That was all! But when Buck lived with John Thornton, this new master awakened a love and devotion within Buck that it had never experienced before—“intense, passionate, and worshipping love, the kind that borders on madness.”

Emotions such as joy, sadness, love, and anger are like flowing water—sometimes wide, sometimes narrow, flowing fast, sometimes slow. All emotions, like water, have a source. The deep source of affection Buck found in John Thornton was that he had “saved its life”; he was the “ideal master.” Other people who kept Buck did so out of obligation or business interest—training it for hunting, guarding the house, or pulling a sled in search of gold. But John Thornton considered Buck as “his child.” This origin was profound and noble because it transcended the animal-human relationship, becoming one of genuine love and care. Buck sensed this relationship intuitively, with wisdom and awareness that only a dog like Buck could understand.

John Thornton “took care” of Buck—sometimes with a cheerful greeting, sometimes with a “loving gesture,” and sometimes by sitting down to “talk” with Buck, both sharing a deep bond of mutual understanding. Thornton had a habit of “grabbing Buck’s head tightly and pressing his own against it, shaking it gently, while murmuring soft words that Buck interpreted as affectionate whispers.” For Buck, these were heavenly moments that only John Thornton could give, full of love and tenderness. In those moments, Buck felt that “nothing could be more joyous than the strong embrace,” and “the murmured words in his ear” were the ultimate source of his happiness. At times, Buck felt as if “his heart might leap out of his chest with joy.”

Love between humans and pets also involves a cycle of giving and receiving, a deep interaction and communion. This passage beautifully illustrates this relationship: “When released, Buck would jump up, smiling, with intense expression in its eyes, making sounds that couldn’t be described, remaining in a still, frozen pose. At those moments, John Thornton would affectionately exclaim, ‘Good heavens! You almost speak!’” Buck, like a deeply affectionate child, “expressed love in a way that resembled causing a little pain to the person.” Buck often “bit John Thornton’s hand, pressing down so hard that its teeth left marks on the skin for a while.” Only Thornton could feel the happiness in that “playful bite” as a gesture of affection.

London, with his love for animals and his remarkable observational talent, lived within the emotions and changes in feelings. He “understood” the unique language of a domesticated pet that had been long connected with humans. Buck, the most intelligent, loyal, and affectionate of animals, is used to convey a heartfelt story of the “intense, passionate love that borders on worship and even madness” between John Thornton and Buck.

If in the first part, the author highlighted the relationship between Buck and the Miller family to emphasize the special love between Buck and John Thornton, in the middle, he compared Buck’s affection with that of other dogs. Each dog expresses love differently. “Skikit had a habit of poking its nose under Thornton’s hand and nudging it until petted… Nich would rest its big head on Thornton’s knee.” But Buck expressed its love through “worship,” feeling “ecstatic” when Thornton “petted” or “talked” to it. The world of animals is depicted by London as a realm of love and connection, just like humans, filled with joy and mutual understanding! Buck “often lay at Thornton’s feet for hours, eagerly and attentively watching him, observing every subtle change in his expression, every shift in his mood. Sometimes, Buck would watch from behind and, by instinct, would sense Thornton’s gaze, and when he turned, his eyes would “shine with love,” while “Buck’s love would also be reflected in its own eyes.”

The way Buck sits, looks up, listens, and tracks Thornton’s movements is depicted with such depth that it feels almost human. The dog’s gaze conveys intelligence, while its soul shows the height of thought. Buck not only has love but also deep thoughts of life with its “ideal master.” Buck also has its fears. Its troubled past constantly haunts it, and it “never wants to leave Thornton’s side.” Always fearful, Thornton became a new protector in its life, the one it trusted. Even in its dreams, Buck was haunted by this fear. Each night, it would wake up, crawl through the cold, and stand by the edge of the tent, listening to Thornton’s peaceful breathing. This detail is a poignant image that evokes deep sympathy. It shows that not only humans but even animals like Buck experience this fear of separation. London expressed this beautifully through images that are full of humanistic value.

In conclusion, London used love to describe the animal world. He vividly portrayed a dog full of human-like emotions. It lived with loyalty and affection just like a human. Through London’s delicate and expressive art, we learn how to appreciate the depth of bond with our pets. Buck, a compassionate dog, enriches our souls with its love, and living with kindness and love is the most beautiful way to live.

In the realm of literary creation, the art of portraying the psychological state of characters represents a significant milestone in the history of literature. Depicting the psyche of humans is already challenging, and capturing the psychological depth of an animal is an even greater endeavor. "The Call of the Wild" addresses the theme of animals—a subject that is not unfamiliar in world literature. However, Jack London's work stands out for its unique creativity, bringing the character of Buck, the dog, to life in a way that resonates with human-like emotions and experiences. The passage titled "The Dog Buck" comes from Chapter 6, "The Love for Humanity".

The passage "The Dog Buck" is one of the most successful sections of the work, despite its lack of dramatic events or thrilling plot twists. Instead, it focuses on the emotional bond between humans and dogs, and vice versa. In this passage, we are deeply moved by the love that Thornton, the human protagonist, has for Buck, especially the bond they share. First and foremost, Thornton is the ideal master for any animal. With a rare and kind-hearted nature, he not only buys Buck but also tends to him with great care and affection until the day he dies. Thornton treats his sled dogs "as though they were his own children".

In his thoughts and emotions, Thornton does not view the dog as merely an animal or a tool to obey commands. To him, the dog is a companion, a confidant, a loved one, working alongside him to endure hardships and achieve their common goals. Thornton's relationship with Buck is contrasted with those of other masters, highlighting his exceptional qualities. Judge Miller cares for Buck out of duty and responsibility, while the gold hunters view Buck as a tool to fulfill their business needs and gain profit. Thornton, on the other hand, greets Buck warmly, speaks cheerfully to him, and engages in casual conversation with the dog. His words, such as "My God! You almost seem to talk," show the boundless affection of a master for his dog. These simple, affectionate gestures possess a special allure. Thornton's love for Buck surpasses the ordinary master-servant relationship.

Buck himself is an intelligent dog who understands every gesture of affection from Thornton and responds with equal fervor. To the Miller family, his affection was more formal, but to Thornton, Buck has never felt a "passionate, fiery, worshipful love like the one he shares with Thornton now." Buck's love for his master is multifaceted, deep, and profound. His way of expressing this love is unique: rather than leaping up to embrace his master like other dogs, Buck silently watches and venerates Thornton in his own special way. The dog's gaze speaks volumes of his love, gratitude, worship, and absolute reverence. The more he loves his master, the more fearful he becomes of losing him, as shown by the detail where Buck "crawls through the cold to the edge of the tent, standing there, listening to the steady breathing of his master..." This clearly reveals Buck's anxiety about being separated from Thornton. Buck is indeed more soulful than other dogs, and it is only Thornton who can evoke these feelings within him.

Through anthropomorphism, keen observation, deep understanding, and his affection for animals, Jack London creates a vivid, realistic, and captivating image of Buck the dog. Through this passage, we also witness the boundless love the author expresses for the close companions we share our lives with.

While in works about animals by La Fontaine, To Hoai, and other writers, animals are depicted as speaking human language, in "The Call of the Wild," particularly in the passage "The Dog Buck," through the narrator, Buck is shown to have thoughts, a soul, and emotions similar to a human being. This is one of the key elements contributing to the success of the work, ensuring that Buck's image remains etched in the hearts of readers.

It feels as if one were traveling with a gold prospecting party into the vast, snowy wilderness of Alaska, encountering scenes and people that leave a lasting and intense impression. Particularly, the passages about Buck, the dog, and his emotional bond with his owner, John Thornton, are the most moving and beautiful. The author does not focus on describing Buck's appearance or natural instincts, but rather delves deeply into the inner world of the animal—showcasing a rare and touching humanity within it. The passage "The Dog Buck" is a poetic, sweet portrayal of the deep, heartfelt bond between a human and their pet.

Perhaps it is due to Buck’s hardships during his days of pulling sleds, being mistreated by cruel masters, that he comes to truly understand the meaning of human kindness. His food was earned through lashings and the charity of cruel, gold-hungry men. It is only after being saved by John Thornton that Buck experiences "a true, sincere love" for the first time, born within him. Before his abduction to the North, he had briefly tasted the warmth of affection while living with Judge Miller’s family in the sun-kissed Santa Clara Valley. Buck would never forget those brief but peaceful days, when he would hunt and wander with the judge’s sons. But even during those times, his feelings for them were based more on duty and pride, serving as a guard dog with a sense of inflated self-importance. His relationship with Judge Miller was one of formal friendship.

London offers a distinctive way of portraying Buck's relationship with the members of Judge Miller's family. Buck was merely a hunting dog, a house guard dog, and a pet dog. That was all. However, from the moment Buck lived with John Thornton, the latter awakened in Buck feelings of love and affection that had never existed before: "passionate, fiery, reverential love...".

Feelings of joy, sorrow, love, and anger are like flowing rivers—they may be narrow or vast, swift or slow. All rivers have their source, just as all feelings have their origin. The profound emotional connection that Buck finds in John Thornton is because he "saved him"; Thornton is "the ideal master". The others who cared for Buck did so out of obligation and self-interest, whether for hunting, guarding the home, or keeping him as a decorative pet, even using him to pull sleds in the search for gold. But John Thornton considered Buck "his child". This bond is deep and noble, as it transcends the typical human-animal relationship, evolving into a relationship built on love and human compassion. Buck felt this relationship intuitively, through his emotions, his sharp sensitivity, and his wisdom—qualities that only a dog like Buck could possess. John Thornton "took care of him"—sometimes greeting him warmly, sometimes with affectionate gestures, and often sitting down to "chat" with Buck. They were united in mutual understanding and "enjoyment". Thornton would often hold Buck’s head, gently shake it, and whisper sweet words that Buck could only perceive as love and care.

For Buck, these moments were magical, ones that only John Thornton could provide. In those moments, Buck felt that there was "no greater joy than the strong embrace", "the whispers in his ears". His happiness reached its peak, and at times, he felt as if "his heart was leaping out of his chest".

London used affection to depict animals. He vividly describes the dog as a creature embodying human-like affection, loyal and deeply emotional, much like a person. With his delicate and expressive writing, Jack London shows his deep love and empathy for animals.

Reading London's The Call of the Wild, one feels transported to the vast Alaskan wilderness, trekking with gold miners through the endless, snow-covered Arctic, encountering strong and intense scenes and people. The chapters about the dog Buck and the emotional bond between him and John Thornton are particularly moving and beautifully written. Rather than focusing on Buck's external appearance or basic instincts, London delves into the dog’s inner world—the soulful and human-like emotions that seem rare and heartwarming. The passage about Buck is tender, almost poetic, as it conveys a deep emotional connection between a person and a pet.

Perhaps due to his tough life pulling sleds and enduring cruel masters, Buck gains a profound understanding of what it means to experience human love. His food is earned through beatings and the mercy of ruthless men eager for gold. Only when Buck is rescued by John Thornton does he discover true love and care for the first time. He briefly enjoyed some semblance of affection before being kidnapped to the Arctic, during his time in Judge Miller’s house in the Santa Clara Valley, where he basked in the warmth of the sun. Buck will never forget those fleeting, peaceful days. His hunts and wanderings with Judge Miller’s sons showed Buck a kind of duty-bound affection. His bond with the Judge was formal, while with the children, it was a more protective type of care.

London uses a unique narrative style to contrast Buck’s relationships with the Miller family and with Thornton. While Buck was just a hunting dog, a guard dog, and a pet to the Millers, he discovers a more profound love with Thornton. Thornton awakens in Buck feelings of love and affection that had never been felt before: “intense, passionate love, reverence, and devotion.”

Emotions, like water, come in various forms—some are shallow, others deep, with different flows of rapid or slow currents. Every emotion has its origin, and the source of Buck’s emotions with John Thornton lies in the simple fact that Thornton “saved” him, and was the “ideal master” to him. The other people who kept Buck did so for business or utility—to hunt, guard, and pull sleds. But Thornton treated Buck like his own child. This unique and deep bond transcends the typical human-animal relationship, evolving into a true affection, a bond of human love. Buck feels this connection instinctively, through his sharp emotions and wisdom that only a dog like Buck could possess.

John Thornton “cared” for Buck with gestures of affection—sometimes a joyful greeting, other times a long sit-down chat, or playful moments like grabbing Buck’s head and nuzzling him or gently shaking him, which to Buck felt like endearing words of praise. For Buck, these were blissful moments, where the “strong embrace” and “whispers” filled him with joy, so much so that at times, he felt his heart “jump out of his chest.”

The relationship between humans and their pets involves both giving and receiving love. London eloquently captures this bond in a passage that illustrates Buck’s overwhelming joy when freed: “When let loose, he jumped to his feet, smiling, eyes sparkling, his throat vibrating with sounds unspeakable, standing still as if frozen. In that moment, Thornton seemed almost to exclaim, ‘My God! You’re almost speaking!’”

Buck’s way of expressing love resembled that of a “child”—his affectionate gestures sometimes even felt painful. He often bit Thornton’s hands “with such force that the marks stayed on his skin for a long time.” Only Thornton could appreciate the deep affection in Buck’s playful bite, as it was a form of tenderness. London, with his unique skill of observation and expression, has captured this, “living” with the emotions of a domesticated animal that has bonded deeply with humans—one of the most intelligent, loyal, and loving creatures—to express the intense, fiery love between Thornton and Buck.

While the first part of the story focuses on Buck’s relationship with the Miller family, London contrasts Buck’s display of affection with that of other dogs toward their masters. “Skeet has the habit of nudging Thornton’s hand with her nose until she gets petted. Nig would press his large head against Thornton’s knee.” Buck, however, expressed love through “adoration” and pure bliss whenever Thornton “petted” him or “spoke” to him.

London presents the animal kingdom through a lens of humanity, showing how animals, too, experience love and the joy of deep connections. Buck “often lay by Thornton’s feet for hours, eagerly watching his face, absorbed in every small gesture and change in expression.” At times, Buck would look up at Thornton from behind, sensing Thornton’s gaze, and their mutual understanding was reflected in their eyes. Through this silent exchange, Buck seemed to possess a soul, with intellectual depth and a capacity for complex thoughts, revealing a mind that thrived with the “ideal master.” Buck was not just a creature of love, but one who also thought, sharing an intricate bond with his master, full of devotion and understanding.

Even Buck, the intelligent and perceptive dog, carried a fear of loss. His tumultuous life haunted him, and “he never wanted to leave Thornton’s side.” He was constantly afraid that Thornton, like previous figures in his life, might disappear. This fear followed him even in his dreams, as he would wake up in the cold, making his way to the edge of the tent to “listen to his master’s steady breathing.” This detail is a poignant, emotional moment, highlighting how even the wisest and most devoted pets fear abandonment. London’s writing captures this universal truth with deep humanistic value.

In conclusion, London used love as a tool to depict animals. He vividly painted a picture of the dog as a creature full of human-like qualities—loyal, affectionate, and emotionally deep. Through his delicate, expressive writing, Jack London shows his profound love for animals, portraying them with remarkable sensitivity and insight.