Buck now fully understands the ways of the wild and he has learned how to
take care of himself. He also knows how to keep from fighting with Spitz even
though he is constantly provoked by him.
One evening, Buck could not control himself and lashed out at Spitz. This
happened after Spitz took his sleeping hole while Buck was getting his evening
ration. The noise that both dogs make attracts the attention of some wild
Huskies who had come to the camp looking for food. Buck is attacked by a few
of the stray Huskies and Spitz takes this opportunity to attack Buck also.
After Buck frees himself from the pack, he finally returns to camp. The men
break camp and begin their journey across the region known as Thirty Mile
River. This area is a very hazardous and the dogs are nearly drowned when
the sled breaks through the ice on two occasions. This forces the men to build
a fire so that the animals can dry themselves.
The rivalry between Buck and Spitz mounts in intensity. It reaches its height
when the two dogs are on a hunt for a rabbit. Each tries to outsmart the other
throughout the chase, however, Buck is the more cunning of the two and kills
Spitz.
Review:
This chapter introduces the concept of rivalry. The first paragraph introduces
the conflict between Buck and Spitz. Their characteristics are very similar
making them dangerous foes. Both are strong, treacherous, savage and proud
and yearn for supremacy.
During the fight between Buck and Spitz, Buck has more imagination and changes
tactics. This surprises Spitz, and Buck is able to win and defeat him.
The reader is on Buck's side because of how Spitz has treated him in the
past. It is also interesting to note that Buck is described as a dog with
imagination, a word with positive connotations of creativity and resourcefulness.
Every story, novel, or play develops around one or more struggles or conflicts.
The conflicts that occur are man vs. nature,such as weather and perils of
the trail; man vs. animal, such as the attack of the starving pack; and animal
vs. animal between Buck and Spitz.
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