the-call-of-the-wild.doc

Unit 9 The Call of the Wild by Jack London Objective Figuring out the authors primary purpose in telling this story Time Arrangement Text: 2 periods Discussion: 1 period Related Information About the authorJack London (1876 - 1916)Considered by many to be Americas finest author, Jack London, whose name at birth was John Griffith Chaney, was born “south of the slot” on Market Street in San Francisco, California, on January 12, 1876. It is believed that he is the illegitimate son of William Chaney, an itinerant astrologer and journalist, who deserted Jacks mother, Flora, a spiritualist, before he was born. Jack had little formal schooling. Initially, he attended school only through the 8th grade, although he was an avid reader, educating himself at public libraries, especially the Oakland Public Library under the tutelage of Ina Coolbrith, who laterbecame the first poet laureate of California. In later years (mid-1890s), Jack returned to high school in Oakland and graduated. He was prolific: fifty-one of his books and hundreds of his articles had been published. He had written thousands of letters. Many additional works have been published posthumously. His short stories are considered to be an all-time classic. His writings have been translated in several dozen languages and to this day continue to be widely read throughout the world.In the Yukon River gold strike of 1897, Jack undertook an expedition to Alaska and the Klondike in Canada. Jack London gained a tremendous amount of insight and perspective there. Although he had not discovered much gold, he had uncovered a Mother Lode of experience from which he would draw material for his future novels and stories. This American literary genius brilliantly and compassionately portrayed his life and times, as well as the never ending struggles of man and nature. Millions of avid readers have been thrilled by his stories of adventure. Authors and social advocates have been inspired by his heartfelt prose. Nevertheless, many of his life experiences were more exciting than his fiction. His most notable booksThe Call of the Wild originally entitled ( “The Sleeping Wolf”) which was published in 1903The Sea-Wolf (originally entitled “Mercy of the Sea”)Martin EdenWhite FangBy his death at age forty on November 22, 1916, Jack had been plagued for years by a vast number of health problems, including stomach disturbances, ravaging uremia, and failing kidneys. His death certificate states that he died of uremic poisoning. The California Gold Rush Preview Questions Have you ever read any books of Jack London? Do you like them? Emphasized Points Key Words1. Again the club hit him and he crashed to the ground.(to fell violently and noisily)2. Growling ,he threw himself at the snow, and a moment later, he had jumped (upwards into the daylight. to rush violently at)3. The wild animal was strong in Buck,” and as he traveled across the snow, it grew stronger and stronger.4. Buck was beaten (he knew that ) but he was not broken. (losing courage) Text Comprehension& Structure AnalysisDivisionParagraphMain IdeaPart IPage 140-141Background of the story: Buck, a large dog, used to live in the south. But this was 1897, when men and dogs were hurrying to north-west Canada to look for gold. He was stolen and taken to the north. Part IIPage141-142Buck began to learn lessons from the hard life.How did Buck get to know the law of club and tooth? Part IIIPage 143Buck managed to adapt himself to the new life& Comprehension Questionsu What did Buck, a dog from the south begin to learn from the hard life to the north? u How do you understand the sentence “Buck was beaten (he knew that) but he was not broken”?u What does the law of club and tooth mean?u How did Buck manage to adapt himself to a new life?u Discuss the character of Buck, of Spitz and of Francois and Perrault as they are portrayed in the home reading section.u What is the theme of the text “The Call of the Wild”?& Topic for Discussionu