The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Chapter 3 Questions – “The Dominant Primordial Beast”
1. Define the following literary terms, and give one concrete detail
(direct quote) for each from Chapter 3.
a. simile
b. dialect
c. personification
2. Why was the camp that was made on the shore of Lake Labarge so
miserable?
3. What effect did the pack of starving huskies have on Francois,
Perrault and their dogs?
4. About how many miles could the pack travel in a day?
5. Why were Buck’s paws more sensitive than the rest of the pack?
Give a quote as your support.
6. What kind gestures did the dog driver make towards Buck, knowing
that he was in pain?
7. Give a quote that shows a bit of humor regarding Buck and his tender
feet.
8. Describe three instances in which Buck demonstrates that he is
becoming a troublemaker.
9. Why do you think Buck has changed so much since his early days at
Judge Miller’s place?
10.
This chapter contains several instances of Buck beginning to
rely on his long-buried instincts in order to survive. We begin to
understand the meaning of the title of the novel as Buck is being
drawn back to his “wild side” - primitive, like his ancestors. Give
three examples of Buck’s “Call of the Wild” in the form of quotes.
11.
How does the author make this chapter suspenseful? What big
event is the chapter leading up to? Give two direct quotes that show
suspense in Chapter 3.
12.
Spitz’s death is foreshadowed earlier in the chapter in a
discussion between Francois and Perrault. What do they say? Who
was right about Buck?