Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London

Buck, the dog, had never experienced the harshness of the Alaskan wilderness before. He had been stolen from his comfortable home in the Santa Clara Valley and thrust into a world where only the strong survived. The cold was unlike anything he had ever felt, it bit at his paws and froze his breath in the air. The snow was deep and treacherous, hiding obstacles that could easily injure or kill him.

As Buck struggled to pull the sled through the snow, he could feel the ice forming on his fur, weighing him down. The wind howled around him, making it difficult to hear the commands of his human masters. He had to rely on instinct and the guidance of the lead dog to navigate the treacherous terrain. The other dogs in the team were just as inexperienced as he was, and they stumbled and fell frequently, causing the sled to tip over and the precious cargo to spill out.

The men shouted and cursed at the dogs, but Buck knew that they were just as much at the mercy of nature as he was. The men were cold and hungry, their faces red and raw from the wind. They relied on the dogs to transport them and their supplies to the next camp, and Buck could sense their desperation.

As the days passed, Buck grew stronger and more adept at navigating the wilderness. He learned to conserve his energy, to pace himself so that he could last the entire day. He learned to recognize the signs of danger, like thin ice or hidden crevasses. And most importantly, he learned to trust his instincts, to listen to the call of the wild that echoed in his heart.

But no matter how much he learned, the wilderness remained a formidable foe. It was a constant battle to survive, to find food and shelter, to avoid predators and natural disasters. Buck knew that he could never let his guard down, that he had to be ready for anything. The wilderness was unforgiving, and it would take all of his strength and cunning to overcome it.

Q: Analyze the transformation of Buck's character from the beginning to the end of the excerpt.
A: At the beginning of the excerpt, Buck is depicted as an inexperienced and vulnerable dog, unaccustomed to the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness. He struggles with the cold, the deep snow, and the demands of pulling a sled. However, as the days pass, Buck undergoes a significant transformation. He becomes stronger, more skilled, and better equipped to face the challenges of the wild. He learns to conserve his energy, recognize danger, and trust his instincts. This transformation highlights Buck's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Q: Examine the role of the environment in shaping the behavior and survival skills of Buck.
A: The environment plays a crucial role in shaping Buck's behavior and survival skills. The harsh Alaskan wilderness presents numerous obstacles and dangers, such as treacherous terrain, freezing temperatures, and the constant threat of predators and natural disasters. Buck is forced to adapt to these conditions in order to survive. He learns to be vigilant, conserve his energy, and rely on his instincts. The environment acts as both an antagonist and a teacher, pushing Buck to his limits while also providing him with the necessary experience to become a stronger and more capable dog.

Q: Reflect on how Buck's transformation from a domesticated dog to a creature of the wild reflects the theme of survival of the fittest in 'The Call of the Wild'.
A: Buck's transformation in 'The Call of the Wild' is a direct representation of the survival of the fittest theme. At the beginning of the story, Buck is a pampered dog, unfamiliar with the harsh realities of survival. However, as he is thrust into the Alaskan wilderness, he is forced to adapt quickly to his new environment or perish. Buck's evolution from domestication to embracing his primal instincts highlights the idea that in the natural world, only those who can adapt and prove themselves strong and capable can survive. His growing strength, intelligence, and leadership demonstrate his fitness in the wild, setting him apart from others. This transformation also raises questions about the intrinsic nature of animals and their ability to revert to instinctual behaviors when faced with life-threatening challenges.