The Call of the Wild, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 7 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Buck is stolen from Judge Miller’s estate, sold through several hands, and beaten into obedience before Perrault buys him for government service. His journey north replaces comfort and trust with caution, while fair treatment from Perrault and François gives him new grounds for respect before he encounters snow for the first time.
What happens
- Buck enjoys authority and comfort on Judge Miller’s estate while the northern gold discovery creates demand for strong dogs.
- Manuel sells Buck to a stranger, who chokes him and takes him by train to San Francisco.
- Buck travels in a crate without food or water for two days and nights, enduring teasing and growing furious.
- In Seattle, a man in a red sweater repeatedly clubs Buck until he learns to obey armed human force.
- Perrault buys Buck and takes him and Curly aboard the Narwhal, where François treats the dogs fairly.
- As the ship reaches colder conditions, Buck meets unfamiliar dogs and experiences snow for the first time.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Buck accepts the club’s power without losing his inner resistance. The distinction explains his obedience without suggesting affection for the man who beats him.
Quick check
Why does Buck begin to respect François aboard the Narwhal?
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