The Call of the Wild · Chapter
For the Love of a Man explained
Buck recovers from his injuries under the care of John Thornton, experiencing genuine love for the first time.
What happens
Buck recovers from his injuries under the care of John Thornton, experiencing genuine love for the first time. He forms bonds with Thornton's other dogs, Skeet and Nig, and proves his loyalty through several acts: obeying a dangerous command to jump off a cliff, attacking a man who strikes Thornton, saving Thornton from rapids, and winning a wager by pulling a thousand-pound sled. Buck's love for Thornton becomes the central force of his life, even as the call of the wild beckons.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Loyalty
Buck experiences genuine, passionate love for John Thornton, which becomes the driving force of his actions and loyalty.
Mastery and Leadership
Thornton is portrayed as the ideal master, earning Buck's devotion through kindness and understanding, contrasting with previous owners.
The Call of the Wild
Despite his love for Thornton, Buck feels an irresistible pull from the forest, foreshadowing his eventual return to the wild.
Characters to notice
- Buck
Recovers strength, experiences passionate love for Thornton, performs feats of loyalty and strength.
- John Thornton
Nurses Buck back to health, becomes the object of Buck's adoration, commands Buck's absolute loyalty.
- Skeet
Irish setter who befriends Buck and tends to his wounds like a doctor.
- Nig
Large black dog, half bloodhound and half deerhound, friendly and good-natured, becomes Buck's companion.
- Pete
Thornton's partner, arrives on the raft, witnesses Buck's loyalty and strength.
- Hans
Thornton's partner, helps with the raft and the rapids rescue, acknowledges Buck's ferocity.
Key passages
“Love, genuine passionate love, was his for the first time.”
Buck felt true, intense love for the first time in his life.
Highlights the depth of Buck's emotional bond with Thornton.
“He had a way of taking Buck's head roughly between his hands, and resting his own head upon Buck's, of shaking him back and forth, the while calling him ill names that to Buck were love names.”
Thornton would grab Buck's head, press his own against it, and shake him while using harsh words that Buck understood as expressions of love.
Illustrates the unique and physical affection between Thornton and Buck.
“Buck knew no greater joy than that rough embrace and the sound of murmured oaths, and at each jerk back and forth it seemed that his heart would be shaken out of his body so great was its ecstasy.”
Buck's greatest happiness came from Thornton's rough hugs and whispered curses, which filled him with overwhelming joy.
Emphasizes the intensity of Buck's emotional response to Thornton's affection.
“Thornton alone held him. The rest of mankind was as nothing.”
Only Thornton mattered to Buck; all other people were insignificant.
Shows Buck's complete devotion and disregard for others.
“It was at Circle City, ere the year was out, that Pete's apprehensions were realized.”
Pete's fears came true later that year in Circle City.
Introduces the incident where Buck attacks Burton for striking Thornton.
