Chart of
Causes and Effects in The Call of the Wild
In literature, as in life, one event often causes another event or a series of events. The entire plot of The Call of
the Wild can be examined as a causal chain of circumstances that moves to its ultimate conclusion. To see the
process of cause and effect in the novel, fill out the chart below as you read. The first column contains clues that
will help you name the events. The second column is a series of boxes linked together ro show how one event
causes another. Fill in the box opposite the clue by stating each event briefly and clearly. The first one is done
for you.
l. What event brings about a drastic change leaves in Buck's
life?
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Buck is sold and leaves his comfortable
life in California for the harsh Yukon.
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2. Arriving in the Yukon, Buck must adapt to many changes.
What law does he learn?
3. Buck's behavior and habits change. W-hat happens ro him
inside?
4. Spitz interferes with Buck's adjustment. How?
S. How does Buck begin to treat Spitz?
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6. The rivalry of the two dogs is finally resolved. How'
7. How does Buck feel after these events?
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8. What duty does Buck assume after Spitz dies?
9. When Perrault and Francois are reassigned, what is Buck's
next duty?
10. Buck and his team are exhausted after traveling thousands
of miles on the mail route. What happens to them?