Study Guide: Call of the Wild Chapters 1-3

This section of the study guide will give you vocabulary words and definitions that appear in chapters 1-3. By having these definitions and their parts of speech, you can gain a better understanding of what you are reading. Before you read each chapter, preview the words listed here.

Chapter 1

Docile: (adjective) easily let, taught, managed

Insular: (adjective) narrow minded, limited, isolated

Progeny: (noun) one's offspring; children

Futile: (adjective) without useful result

Hydrophobia: (noun) rabies

Metamorphosis: (noun) passing on from one form to another

Conciliate: (verb) to win over or gain friendship; to overcome hostility

Imperious: (adjective) commanding, domineering

Introspect: (verb) to examine reflectively

Chapter 2

Malignant: (adjective) causing death or harm

Retrogression: (noun) reversal in development from a higher to a lower state

Callous: (adjective) to be without emotional feelings

Cadence: (noun) rhythmic movement

Grim: (adjective) stern, gloomy

Ignominious: (adjective) dishonorable

Consternation: (noun) a sudden confusion or amazement

Morose: (adjective) having a sullen disposition

Arduous: (adjective) difficult, hard

Chapter 3

Din: (noun) a loud, confused noise

Daunt: (verb) intimidate, discourage

Prostrate: (adjective) defenseless, lying prone

Sinew: (noun) strength, power

Inexorable: (adjective) unyielding

Use these essay questions to further enhance your understanding of chapters 1-3 of Call of the Wild.

• Why were dogs so important in the Klondike during the gold rush?
• Describe what Buck was like when he lived with Judge Miller on the Santa Clara estate.
• Why does Francois think that Buck is worth every penny spend on him?
• Within a short period of time in the Klondike, Buck learns about "the law of club and fang". What incidents teach him this lesson? What does he learn from each lesson?
• As early as chapter 2, we see Buck change into a primordial being. What do you specifically see in Buck that demonstrates this transformation?
• In chapter 2, Buck steals food from Francois and Perrault. What does this reveal to the reader? Why is this change in Buck as important one?