That club was a revelation.A sudden discovery that changes how someone sees things
The Call of the Wild
Chapter 1
Jack London · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
That club was a revelation. It was his introduction to the reign of primitive law, and he met the introduction halfway. The facts of life took on a fiercer aspect; and while he faced that aspect uncowed, he faced it with all the latent cunning of his nature aroused.
After copying, read the second sentence again and say what you think it means that Buck "met the introduction halfway". Then say what the semicolon in the last sentence lets London do that a full stop would not.
Discussion
Narration Tell back Buck's journey from Judge Miller's place to the deck of the Narwhal, in order, slowing down at the club in the Seattle yard.
- At the flag station Buck growls when the rope goes into the stranger's hands. What did life at Judge Miller's place lead him to expect a growl would do? Character
- Each time the shed door rattles open, Buck expects the Judge, and his joyful bark turns into a growl. What does that show about what Buck understands of his situation? Inference
- The man in the red sweater clubs Buck senseless, then pats his head, speaks in a genial voice, and brings water. What do you make of this man? Moral reasoning
- Some of the beaten dogs wag their tails and lick the man's hand. What do you make of those dogs? Theme
- Buck licks his first snow, the onlookers laugh, and he feels ashamed, "he knew not why." Why might London end a chapter of blows on this small moment? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a character in a book or film who has to do what someone says without liking that person.
Vocabulary
- REVELATION
- PRIMITIVE
It was his introduction to the reign of primitive law, and he met the introduction halfway.
Belonging to the earliest and roughest way of living- UNCOWED
while he faced that aspect uncowed, he faced it with all the latent cunning of his nature aroused.
Not frightened into giving in- CUNNING
he faced it with all the latent cunning of his nature aroused.
Careful cleverness used to get what one wants- INTIMATE
He had merely intimated his displeasure, in his pride believing that to intimate was to command.
To hint at something instead of saying it plainly- DIGNITY
Buck had accepted the rope with quiet dignity.
Calm self-respect that expects to be treated well- DOMINION
one and all, he watched them pass under the dominion of the man in the red sweater.
Complete control or rule over others- CONCILIATE
Also he saw one dog, that would neither conciliate nor obey, finally killed in the struggle for mastery.
To win someone over by pleasing or soothing them- FAWNED
Of this last Buck was never guilty, though he did see beaten dogs that fawned upon the man, and wagged their tails, and licked his hand.
Flattered and groveled to win favor- IMPARTIAL
Perrault and François were fair men, calm and impartial in administering justice, and too wise in the way of dogs to be fooled by dogs.
Treating everyone the same, without taking sides
Critical thinking
- Buck charges the club again and again, even after he knows it is a club. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what keeps him charging.
- Buck thinks the rope gave the men "an unfair advantage" and later calls François's whip "fair." Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Buck means by fair.
- The chapter says Buck "did not read the newspapers" and thought he was on "merely a stroll." Using two pieces of evidence, explain what the reader can see that Buck cannot.