Question

activity 4
a symbol is a person, object, or idea that represents a more abstract idea (e.g., a flag represents a country, an arrow represents “go this way,” or abraham lincoln represents honesty and emancipation). symbolism is the use of symbols. interpreting symbols is key to understanding the implied meaning or theme of a text.
reread pages 79-80 of chapter 4 from the call of the wild with a partner and answer the questions. support your response with evidence from the text. then, share your response with the class.
start at: page 79: “sometimes as he crouched there, blinking dreamily at the flames...”
stop at: page 80: “... and he would get up and yawn and stretch as though he had been asleep.”
questions:

1. buck imagines that he sees a “different man from the half-breed cook.” what words and phrases does the author use to describe the “different man’s” appearance?
2. what words and phrases does the author use to describe the “different man’s” emotions and actions?
3. what does the “different man” symbolize in the text?
4. what theme or central idea does the author convey through this symbol?

Explanation:

To answer these questions, we need to analyze the text from The Call of the Wild (pages 79 - 80). For question 1, we look for descriptive words about the "different man's" appearance. For question 2, we search for words related to his emotions and actions. For question 3, we interpret the symbolic meaning of the "different man" (e.g., maybe representing a primal or wild aspect, or a contrast to civilization). For question 4, we connect the symbol to the text's theme (like the call of the wild, the struggle between civilization and nature, or Buck's transformation). Since we don't have the exact text here, we assume a typical analysis:

1. Appearance: Words like "savage", "primitive", or descriptions of his physical features (if present) would be used.
2. Emotions/Actions: Words like "feral", "snarling", "prowling" (if he acts wild) or "gentle", "caring" (if contrasting).
3. Symbolism: The "different man" might symbolize the primitive, wild nature that Buck is drawn to, or a representation of the natural world's power.
4. Theme: The author might convey the theme of the allure of the wild, the inevitability of Buck's return to his primal roots, or the conflict between human - made civilization and the natural world.

Answer:

1. (Depends on the text; e.g., if the text says he looks "savage - faced" and "muscular with a wild look", those would be the words.)
2. (Depends on the text; e.g., if he "snarls" and "moves with a feral grace", those are the phrases.)
3. The "different man" likely symbolizes the primal, wild essence of nature (or a contrast to the civilized half - breed cook, representing the untamed wilderness that calls to Buck).
4. The author conveys the theme of the call of the wild (or the struggle between civilization and the natural, primal self) through this symbol, showing Buck's increasing connection to his wild heritage.