The main conflict in The Call of the Wild by Jack London revolves around Buck, a domesticated dog, who is thrust into the harsh and unforgiving world of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck must adapt to survive in this brutal environment, which is a stark contrast to his previous life of comfort and ease.
The primary conflict is Buck’s struggle against the forces of nature and the cruelty of humans. He is stolen from his home in California and sold as a sled dog in the Yukon. Throughout the novel, Buck faces numerous challenges, including harsh weather, starvation, and the brutality of both humans and other dogs. This external conflict forces Buck to tap into his primal instincts, which he had long suppressed as a domesticated pet.
The solution to this conflict is Buck’s transformation from a domesticated dog to a wild, primal creature. Over time, Buck learns to trust his instincts and becomes a leader among the sled dogs. His journey culminates in his complete embrace of the wild, as he joins a wolf pack and lives as a free, untamed animal. This transformation represents Buck’s ultimate triumph over the adversities he faced and his return to his true nature.
In summary, the conflict in The Call of the Wild is Buck’s struggle to survive and adapt to the harsh realities of the wild, and the solution is his eventual transformation and acceptance of his primal instincts, leading him to a life of freedom and independence.