The Call of the Wild is a novella by American author Jack London published in 1903. The story takes place in the extreme conditions of the Yukon during the 19th-century Klondike Gold Rush, where strong sled dogs were in high demand. After Buck, a domesticated dog, is snatched from a pastoral ranch in California, he is sold into a brutal life as a sled dog. The novella details Buck's struggle to adjust and survive the cruel treatment he receives from humans, other dogs, and nature. He eventually sheds the veneer of civilization altogether and instead relies on primordial instincts and the lessons he has learned to become a respected and feared leader in the wild.
London lived for most of a year in the Yukon and gained from that experience material for the book. The story was serialized in the
Saturday Evening Post in the summer of 1903 and released a month later in book form. The great popularity and success of the story made a reputation for London, with much of the story's appeal based on the simplicity with which he presented the themes in an almost mythical manner. As early as 1908 the story was adapted to film and has seen several more cinematic adaptations since that time.
The Call of the Wild could be called an entertaining tale about a dog, but it is much more
to its readers. London explores basic questions about a person’s relationship to him or herself, to others, and to the natural world.
The story appeals to many different types of readers. Anyone who has known the loyalty of a dog can understand how some of Buck’s masters feel. Adventurers and risk-takers will see themselves in the sled drivers as they travel across the frozen expanses of the Yukon. The detail of the story is rich because London wrote about subjects with which he was familiar. He had been in the Yukon Territory during the gold rush, had felt the cold, heard the dog fights, and seen the many different kinds of people who were there. He weaves his story of Buck so carefully that readers, too, can be in the Yukon.
Holiday Giving Opportunity
In the spirit of giving, the Campus School students will be collecting items December 3rd – December 7th for Moriah House and the Mid-South Food Bank. Moriah House is Memphis Union Mission’s safe house for women and their children. The Mid-South Food Bank fights hunger by efficiently collecting and distributing wholesome food, while educating the community about the problem of hunger and advocating on behalf of hungry people. In our tough economic times, these organizations need our help more than ever. Campus School families can help by donating the following items.
Monday: Paper Products
• toilet paper
• paper towels
• Kleenex-regular and purse size
• diapers
• paper plates/napkins
Tuesday: Toiletry Items
• baby wipes
• toothpaste/toothbrushes
• soap/deodorant
• bath/shower gel
• lotion – adult and baby
Wednesday: Cleaning Products
• dish washing detergent
• laundry detergent
• Clorox wipes
Thursday: School Supplies
• notebooks
• highlighters
• pens/crayons/markers
• paper
Friday, December 7th: Non-Perishable Food Items * If you bring one canned food item, you may wear jeans to school. If you bring two canned items you may wear jeans and a holiday or other appropriate top to school!
• canned food (soups, stews, vegetables)
• peanut butter
• packaged noodles
Our Middle School Informational Parent Night is this Tuesday, Dec. 4th at 6:00 in the playroom.
Our Healthy Choices rest of the week will be next week Mon. Dec 3-Thurs. Dec.6. A schedule was sent home with your child Wednesday, November 28th.
