Owner One

Perrault and Francois were the introduction to Buck’s life. They “were fair men, calm and impartial in administrating justice, and too wise in the way of dogs to be fooled by dogs” (16). These two men introduced Buck to the great Alaskan wilderness as a sled dog. The first triumph that Buck needs to overcome is the first real aspect to his life, trying to fit in with the rest of the pack. He learns the first lessons of his life in this ownership. He learns that when you live with others in the harsh landscape of Alaska there are two rules which all the dogs live by, consisting of the law of the club and fang as well as the survival of the fittest. The law of club and fang is the basic rule that if you know you can’t over throw them don’t bother trying, and survival of the fittest if relatively self explanatory.
Buck is tested by these rules day by day. He learns quickly how to survive and gains experience by learning from his mistakes and the mistakes of others. However like in almost everyone’s life jealousy is present being the cause for many rivals. Buck’s uncanny progression both physically and mentally threatened the leader of the pack, Spitz because he was subject for replacement. This rivalry ended in blood shed and the death of Spitz because “Buck possessed a quality that made for greatness – imagination. He fought by instinct, but he could fight by head as well” (47). Buck was rightfully proclaimed leader of the pack.
Perrault and Francois run a tight schedule and in doing so almost wipe Buck and his team clean of life. “Buck and his mates arrived at Skaguay. They were in a wretched state, worn out and worn down” (61). It is in this town that Buck is sold off to a new owner and is left to discover the second part of his life, sheer survival.
Buck uncovers the first layer of his life finding that it teaches him the basic rules and ways to live by in his current setting, similar to most of us growing up learning from trial and error.