1. Compare Buck's life on the ranch with his existence in the wild and discuss which is more beneficial for him.

2. What characteristics does Buck possess that make him superior to other dogs and enable him to be an effective leader?

3. What is the "law of club and fang?" How does it function? Is it effective? Is it fair?

4. Why are Hal, Charles, and Mercedes unable to endure the trail?

5. Buck begins to dream of a shabby, hairy man crouching by a fire. Where do these dreams originate? What do they signify?

6. Outline the stages in Buck's regression, identifying the main factors responsible for his transformation.

7. How does Buck's attitude towards humans gradually change due to his experiences?

8. Describe how Buck eventually becomes part of the Yeehat legend.

9. William Golding's novel The Lord of the Flies (1954) is another tale about regression in the wild. Compare the two for their perspectives on humans in nature and their survival themes.

Carl Brucker