In Jack London's novel, The Call Of The Wild, adaptation is essential to survival. First, Buck, a St. Bernard and Scotch shepherd mix, adapts to all of his surroundings to survive. Next, Spitz, a brutal dog who possesses a relentless personality, uses his force to thrive in the cutthroat world. Lastly, Hal, Charles, and Mercedes, later owners of Buck, do not acclimatize, which results in a disorderly, fatal existence. In conclusion, it is imperative for one to get a feel for their environment or else they may not prosper and possibly suffer mortality.
Buck's character traits mark him as being well adapted to life in the Yukon. First, Buck displays his intelligence. When other dogs pester Buck, he quickly, yet serenely, intimidates them. Buck accentuates, "Here and there savage dogs rushed upon him, but he bristled his neck hair and snarled (for he was learning fast), and they let him go his way unmolested" (19). Buck utilizes his intellect to eliminate his antagonists. Buck may have been physically injured had he not been so astute. Secondly, Buck exhibits his imagination. During Buck's battle with Spitz, a dog who appears to be Buck's archenemy, Buck employs deep thought in how to defeat Spitz. Buck emphasizes, "He rushed, as though attempting the old shoulder trick, but at the last instant swept low to the snow and in" (43-44). Spitz is an extremely tough creature to conquer. Buck fathoms that he can not overpower Spitz. Therefore, he tries to outwit Spitz. His clever maneuver gives him an advantage over his adversary. Lastly, Buck demonstrates his aggressiveness. After Buck destroys Spitz, the current lead dog of the sled, he feels that he deserves the privilege to be the new head of the team. Instead, Francois, the dog driver, chooses Sol-leks, another dog, to be the new lead dog of the sled. Buck underscores, "Buck sprang upon Sol-leks in a fury, driving him back and standing in his place" (45). Buck possesses fierceness that drives him to