62 pages 2 hours read

Jack London

The Call of the Wild

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1903

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Originally serialized in 1903, Jack London’s The Call of the Wild is an adventure story about Buck, a dog from the Santa Clara Valley who finds himself living the life of a sled dog in the Arctic wilderness. Through Buck’s adventure, the novel addresses what it takes to survive in the natural world, contemplates the connection of life and death, and demonstrates the power of respect and love. The book includes detailed descriptions of animal suffering, violence, and the harsh realities of survival.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jack London's The Call of the Wild is widely praised for its vivid storytelling and gripping depiction of a dog's survival in the Yukon wilderness. Critics commend its visceral impact and emotional depth. However, some note its occasionally brutal scenes and simplified human characters. Overall, it's celebrated for its narrative power and naturalistic approach to adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Call of the Wild?

Readers who enjoy adventure, nature, and survival stories will relish The Call of the Wild by Jack London. Fans of White Fang by the same author or Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer will find this novel captivating, as it explores the primal instincts and resilience in the wilderness.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-16years

Book Details

Genre

Action / Adventure

American Literature

Topics

Animals

Themes

Natural World: Animals

Society: Community

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Period

Naturalism