The Call of the Wild Suffering Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Buck was ravenous. The pound and a half of sun-dried salmon, which was his ration for each day, seemed to go nowhere. He never had enough, and suffered from perpetual hunger pangs. (2.20)

Early in the book, Buck’s feelings of hunger are purely physical.

Quote #8

At the end of this day they made a bleak and miserable camp on the shore of Lake Le Barge. Driving snow, a wind that cut like a white-hot knife, and darkness had forced them to grope for a camping place. They could hardly have fared worse. (3.2)

The harsh elements of the natural world contribute to the hardship Buck suffers.

Quote #9

Later, the nine team-dogs gathered together and sought shelter in the forest. Though unpursued, they were in a sorry plight. There was not one who was not wounded in four or five places, while some were wounded grievously. (3.9)

After the attack from the wild dogs, Buck’s entire team suffers. Here we see the effect of the wild on the team.