62 pages • 2 hours read
Jack LondonThe Call of the Wild
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1903A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Originally serialized in 1903, Jack London’s The Call of the Wild is an adventure story about Buck, a dog from the Santa Clara Valley who finds himself living the life of a sled dog in the Arctic wilderness. Through Buck’s adventure, the novel addresses what it takes to survive in the natural world, contemplates the connection of life and death, and demonstrates the power of respect and love. The book includes detailed descriptions of animal suffering, violence, and the harsh realities of survival.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jack London's The Call of the Wild is widely praised for its vivid storytelling and gripping depiction of a dog's survival in the Yukon wilderness. Critics commend its visceral impact and emotional depth. However, some note its occasionally brutal scenes and simplified human characters. Overall, it's celebrated for its narrative power and naturalistic approach to adventure.
Who Should Read The Call of the Wild?
Readers who enjoy adventure, nature, and survival stories will relish The Call of the Wild by Jack London. Fans of White Fang by the same author or Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer will find this novel captivating, as it explores the primal instincts and resilience in the wilderness.
RecommendedReading Age
12-16yearsBook Details
Action / Adventure
American Literature
Animals
Natural World: Animals
Society: Community
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed
Naturalism