Illustration of Buck in the snow with mountains in the background

The Call of the Wild

by Jack London

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Student Question

What details about Buck taking down the large bull moose are significant, and what does this conquest represent?

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Buck sees the conquering of the bull moose as a chance to prove his abilities as a hunter. He's already taken down a few stray calves, but he wishes for a larger and more formidable quarry. Fortunately for Buck, it's that time of year when moose are in greater abundance....

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This gives him the opportunity he's been waiting for.

He sets his sights on a giant bull, the undisputed leader of the moose herd. This hulking beast, standing six feet from the ground, presents a formidable opponent indeed and represents a real challenge for Buck. To make this even more of a challenge, the bull moose is in a savage temper. It's going to take everything Buck's got to bring him down.

But Buck rises to the challenge without hesitation. First, he constantly separates the bull from his herd by goading him, which he knows will make him even angrier and more willing to fight. Then, when the bull moose attacks, Buck cleverly makes a tactical retreat in an attempt to lull his antagonist into a false sense of security.

Over the next four days, Buck harries the moose herd, until at last, worn down by the constant attacks and driven mad with fear, they leave behind their leader to seek safer pastures. Yet even now, Buck doesn't strike at the bull. He continues to wear him down, not allowing him to settle for a single moment. Then, when Buck is sure that this mighty beast no longer represents a clear and present threat, he finally moves in for the kill.

What this episode demonstrates is that Buck is not just a brave and skillful hunter, but also a very intelligent one. It is this intelligence that has served him well throughout this various adventures thus far and will continue to do so for the remainder of the story.

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