Spitz’s position in the pack, prior to the arrival of Buck was something he had trademarked. He was the leader of his pack and all the other dogs recognised this. Upon the arrival of Buck, Spitz’s position was now at a risk and this was apparent to him. Buck was determined to acquire the position that Spitz had so longingly held as his own. From this moment on, the mind games between Buck and Spitz vigorously began. There constant bickering had soon become the norm and Bucks determination to become ‘king’ was growing inside. Spitz’s strength and ability to proclaim his position as his own may have been strong, but not strong enough to withhold the determination Buck had to proclaim Spitz’s position as his own. Until his craving for this position became so immense that he would kill another for this one desire. Spitz's relationship with Buck is an example of the amoral being who fights for survival with all of his might, disregarding what is right and wrong.
Dave was perceived as care free, but his relationship with the other dogs was obtained without being clearly obvious. “Dave ate and slept, or yawned between times, and took interest in nothing, not even when the Narwhal crossed Queen Charlotte Sound”. Even though Dave’s interests were not evident at first, but his passion to complete his work was constantly shown. Dave’s devotion to the job at hand is exhibited when he becomes ill on one of their journeys but refuses to leave the harness, preferring to die pulling the sled. He shared relationships with the dogs which were in a way, secretive. “Dave, who was experienced wheeler, nipped Buck’s hindquarters whenever he was in error”. Dave was a kind dog. Unlike the others he would never steal from new comers. The toil of the traces seemed the supreme of his being, all that he lived for and the only thing in which he took delight. He was much like Sol-leks in numerous ways. They were both alert for their work and anxious that the work should go well. They were fierce and short-tempered with whatever would delay or hinder the work they were set to complete. Dave showed excessive care for Buck above the other huskies. He never nipped Buck without cause. The concern that Dave demonstrated towards Buck, assisted Buck in achieving a higher standard in his work, eventually as leader.
Curly, a sweet Newfoundland dog, one of Buck's first companions after he has been kidnapped. Curly and Buck had become close companions from the beginning of the book. She plays a large part in Bucks journey back to his primordial state. Curly’s death proclaims a major milestone in Bucks life. This being the first time Buck witnesses pain, on the face of another animal. Her death is brutal; it acts as a warning to Buck of the harshness and cruelty of his new home. She symbolizes the effect of the law of club and fang, when she is punished for breaking the code of savage survival. Her death further instilled The Law of Club and Fang into his mind. To such an extent that the scene of her death would come back to haunt him in his dreams. Buck’s relationship with Curly is one he will never forget, her kindness as well as her death are messages that will be with Buck forever.
Buck’s relationships with the other huskies varied. In many cases his relationship would weaken as time progressed. And in many instances his relationship with the dogs would evolve and strengthen. Each dog taught him a lesson. Weather it was Dave, who demonstrated, true determination on every level or Spitz who illustrated to Buck the Law of Fang. Buck learnt from all the dogs he was surrounded by. The messages he received were those that assisted him in his fight for leadership and finally in his journey back to his primordial being.
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