"The Call of the Wild tells the story of Buck, a dog stolen from his home in California to be used as a sled-dog in the Alaskan gold rush. He is content with his domestic life at the home of Judge Miller, but finds himself vulnerable to both human and canine cruelty as he is passed from owner to owner. Meanwhile, his exposure to the arctic wilderness kindles dormant primitive instincts in Buck, and he finds himself yearning to join the free-roaming wolves.
Buck is a good sled-dog, and shows himself to be a good leader after he kills his arch rival, Spitz, in a fight. He works proudly and steadily until his team is thoroughly exhausted and sold to a family of incompetent miners. They do not know how to treat the dogs, and eventually starve them. Buck is rescued by a kind man named John Thornton, and the two develop a strong, true affection for one another. Buck becomes famous throughout Alaska for his strength and devotion.
Buck still hears the call of the wild, however, and longs to answer it. He follows a wolf through the forest, but then turns back to return to his camp. He develops stronger hunting skills, returning to the camp only every few days. When his master is killed, however, his last bonds to mankind are severed and he joins the wolves for good.
"(http://www.sparknotes.com/guides/call/)
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