The Treatment Of Animals In The Call Of The Wild

Can one really determine a person’s character by their treatment of animals? In “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London, a dog named Buck is kidnapped from his life of luxury, and forced into the wild. Buck becomes a sled dog and is put through various owners, both responsible, and irresponsible. London conveys the theme that one can judge a person's character based on their treatment of animals as seen through Buck’s positive relationship with John Thorton, and his negative relationship with Hal, Charles, and Mercedes. One can judge a persons character based on their treatment of animals as seen through Buck’s positive relationship with John Thorton. In my opinion, you can judge someone’s character by their treatment of animals, because if someone is mean to animals, then they’re most likely a mean person. An example of

An example of a negative interaction with Hal in the novel is before Buck is safe with John Thorton. The text says, “He exchanged the whip for the customary club. Buck refused to move under the rain of heavier blows that fell upon him.” In this quote, Hal was beating Buck almost to death because he was tired and wouldn’t get up. Hal beating Buck for no reason other than he’s tired shows that Hal is not a good person. Another example where Hal exhibits his character through his treatment of animals is in paragraph 48. The text says, “Hal traded his revolver, so he took the axe and knocked Billie on the head as he lay in the traces.” Hal cut off Billie’s head because he wouldn’t move, but Billie was just tired. Hal cut a dogs head off because it was just tired. All Billie needed was rest, and Hal took his life, which shows how bad of a person he is. As you can see, Bucks negative relationship with Hal, Charles, and Mercedes shows that you can judge a person’s character based on their treatment of