The Call of the Wild - Bedtime Stories for English Learning Book III (Pure English Version)

Author: Li Zhengshuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The Call of the Wild is Jack London's most celebrated novel. The story primarily narrates the journey of Buck, a strong and brave wolf dog, as he returns from human civilization to the primitive life of a wolf pack. Buck is a hefty dog weighing 140 pounds. 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, then 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 bought not only suffered cruel abuse from humans but also constantly fought and killed each other to seize leadership of the dog pack. Due to his exceptional strength, intelligence, and bravery, Buck eventually defeated Spitz to become the leader of the dog pack. He had several owners before being taken in by John Thornton. This was when Buck was severely beaten and near death by his brutal master, Hal. Thornton saved him and nursed him back to health with great care. Under Thornton's meticulous care, Buck recovered quickly, and a sincere bond formed between them. Buck was extremely loyal to Thornton, risking his life twice to save him and desperately pulling a sled loaded with a thousand pounds of salt for Thornton, earning him a significant amount of money in a bet. 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 cling to in this human society. Moreover, for some time, a mysterious call had echoed in the wilderness, drawing him in. In the end, he responded to this call, entered the forest, and joined the wolves, living a life as a primitive animal. But he never forgot his old friendship and still regularly visited his master's grave to pay his respects.