Under the kind and gentle care of John Thornton, Buck slowly recovers and
gains back his strength. They begin to establish a very close relationship
and Buck feels very comfortable with his new master and his dogs.
Buck has earned a reputation of being extremely strong and loyal and encounters
a number of interesting experiences. He goes all out to show his loyalty to
Thornton by saving the man's life and by winning a bet for him.
Even though he feels love and enjoys his new life, Buck seems to be drawn
to the wild.
Review:
In this chapter it is interesting to note the contrast between earlier unpleasant
challenges to Buck's intelligence, stamina, and strength and the more reassuring
situations that involve John Thornton.
Again the reader realizes the conflict that rages within Buck: tameness vs.
wildness, or civilization vs. the primitive. The conflict that troubles Buck
the most is the call from the forest vs. his love for John Thornton. His devotion
to Thornton is so great that he would give his life for the man. This he proves
on two occasions when he attacks the man who strikes Thornton, and when he
saves Thornton from drowning and pulls the 1000 pounds sled using stamina
developed in the wild.
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