The Call of the Wild Bedside Lamp.3: An English Learning Reader

Author: Li Zhengshuan et al. (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The Call of the Wild is Jack London's most celebrated novel. The story primarily narrates the journey of Buck, a strong and fierce wolf dog, as he returns from human civilization to the primitive life of a wolf pack. Buck is a 140-pound, exceptionally robust dog. He originally lived a luxurious life in the home of a judge but was later stolen by the judge's gardener and sold to a post office, eventually being sent to the harsh, cold regions of Alaska to pull sleds for mail delivery. Buck was first sold to two French Canadians. The dogs they purchased were not only subjected to the cruelty of humans but also constantly fought and killed each other for dominance within the pack. Due to his extraordinary strength, intelligence, and bravery, Buck ultimately defeated Spitz to become the leader of the pack. He had several owners before being taken in by John Thornton. It was when Buck was beaten to the brink of death by the brutal master Hal that Thornton saved him and tended to his injuries with great care. Under Thornton's meticulous nursing, Buck recovered quickly, and a sincere bond formed between them. Buck was extremely loyal to Thornton, risking his life twice to save Thornton's life and desperately pulling a sled loaded with a thousand pounds of salt for Thornton, earning him a significant amount of money in a bet with others. Unfortunately, during the gold rush, Thornton was killed by Native Americans. In a fit of rage, Buck killed several Native Americans to avenge his master. With his benefactor dead, he felt he had nothing left to hold onto in this human society. Moreover, for some time, a mysterious call had echoed in the wilderness, drawing him. In the end, he responded to this call, entered the forest, and from then on lived among the wolves, embracing a life as a primitive animal. However, he never forgot his old friendship and still regularly visited his master's grave to pay his respects.