# III: The Dominant Primordial Beast explained — The Call of the Wild

> Chapter companion for The Call of the Wild by Jack London.

## What happens

Buck's primordial instincts strengthen as he adapts to the brutal trail life, avoiding open conflict with Spitz until Spitz steals his nest. Their fight is interrupted by a pack of starving huskies that ravage the camp. Later, Buck and Spitz engage in a final, savage battle, where Buck's cunning and imagination allow him to break Spitz's legs and kill him, emerging as the dominant beast.

## Themes in this chapter

### Primitive vs. Civilized

Buck's civilized restraint gives way to primordial instincts as he adapts to the law of club and fang.

### Survival of the Fittest

The fight with Spitz and the husky attack illustrate the brutal competition for survival in the wild.

### Mastery and Leadership

Buck's victory over Spitz establishes him as the dominant leader of the team.

## Character check-ins

### Buck

Displays growing cunning and primordial strength; avoids fights but ultimately kills Spitz in a decisive battle.

### Spitz

Bully and rival who provokes Buck; loses the final fight and is killed by Buck.

### François

Driver who encourages Buck during the nest fight and later helps fend off the starving huskies.

### Perrault

Driver who fights the invading huskies with a club.

### Dave

Team dog that fights bravely alongside Sol-leks during the husky attack.

### Sol-leks

Team dog that fights alongside Dave during the husky attack.

## Key lines

> The dominant primordial beast was strong in Buck, and under the fierce conditions of trail life it grew and grew.

Buck's ancient, wild instincts became more powerful as he faced the harsh realities of the trail.

_Highlights the central theme of Buck's transformation._

> He was not prone to rashness and precipitate action; and in the bitter hatred between him and Spitz he betrayed no impatience, shunned all offensive acts.

Buck was deliberate and patient, avoiding open conflict with Spitz despite their mutual hatred.

_Shows Buck's strategic cunning._

> Then Buck sprang in and out; but while he was in, shoulder had at last squarely met shoulder. The dark circle became a dot on the moon-flooded snow as Spitz disappeared from view.

Buck charged and collided with Spitz, sending him into the waiting circle of huskies who finished him off.

_Climactic moment of the fight and Buck's victory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_call_of_the_wild_se/chapters/iii-the-dominant-primordial-beast
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_call_of_the_wild_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_call_of_the_wild_se/chapters