Taking the Lead

In Chapter 4 of Call of the Wild, there is tension between Buck and Sol-leks. The source of this tension is leadership and whose charge it will be to lead. Buck believes it is his right to lead now that he has defeated Spitz. Consider how this issue of leadership battles relates to real life. In doing so, discuss your ideas about one or all of the following:

• What makes a good leader?
• Is it ever appropriate to usurp leadership? If so, when? (Use dictionary.com if you don’t know the meaning of usurp).
• What problems arise when a team/group doesn’t have the proper leadership? Explain.

The Call of the Wild...Reader Response

Now that you have begun London's The Call of the Wild, take a moment to reflect. What is your reader response to the expository details presented in the first two chapters? Consider the setting, conflict, and characerization of Buck. What are your predictions for action to come later in the novel? Remember to read and react to at least one post of your classmates. Also, remember that your posts are to be scholarly and respectful in their tone.