Exploring the Meaning of a Phrase in The Call of the Wild

Question:

On page 14 of The Call of the Wild, what's meant by the phrase "The domesticated generations fell from him"?

A. Buck is losing his civilized characteristics.

B. Buck is learning to love a human being again.

C. Buck has lost a lot of hair in his fight with Spitz.

D. Buck longs to return home to the Judge's family.

Answer:

What is meant by that phrase is that Buck is losing his civilized characteristics. The correct answer is A.

Exploring the Meaning of "The domesticated generations fell from him"

In The Call of the Wild by Jack London, the phrase "The domesticated generations fell from him" is a significant statement that reflects Buck's transformation from a domesticated pet to a wild and primitive creature. This phrase indicates the shedding of Buck's previous life as a civilized, well-behaved dog into the more primal and instinct-driven nature that is essential for survival in the harsh wilderness.

Buck's journey in the novel is a metaphor for the struggle between civilization and wildness. As he adapts to the brutal conditions of the Yukon, Buck undergoes a profound change in his behavior and instincts. He learns to rely on his primal instincts to navigate the dangerous environment and becomes more attuned to his surroundings.

Throughout the story, Buck's transformation is symbolized by his physical changes, such as the loss of his luxurious coat and the emergence of his wild, primal nature. The phrase "The domesticated generations fell from him" encapsulates this process of shedding his former self and embracing his true, wild essence.