Call of the Wild: Chapter 2

What does the word ignominiously mean?

• happily

• shamefully

• quickly

• desperately

Answer explanation

Vocabulary

Why does the introduction of this part include the graphic scene of Curly’s death?

• It scares the reader into finishing the book more quickly.

• It shows Buck’s new environment as an extremely savage world.

• It shows Curly as a cruel character for approaching the strange dogs.

• It prevents the reader from getting attached to the characters.

Answer explanation

Analyze Plot

What effect does Curly’s death have on Buck?

• He is so shocked at the loss of his friend that he gives up and refuses to work.

• He decides he hates men and rebels against François.

• He becomes cruel and begins to attack the other dogs.

• He learns that there is no fair play among the dogs, so he has to be tough.

Answer explanation

Cause and Effect

Which of the following minor characters makes it clear to Buck that he wants to be left alone?

• Sol-leks

• Billee

• Joe

• Spitz

Answer explanation

Story Elements: Identify Characters

How do the dogs teach Buck to pull the sled?

• They demonstrate while he watches.

• They nip him whenever he makes a mistake.

• They give him specific instructions before they start.

• They reward him when he does a good job.

Answer explanation

Make Inferences / Draw Conclusions

How does the author build tension in this part of the story?

• He vividly shows the dangers awaiting Buck if he does not adapt quickly.

• He uses short, choppy sentences to add a suspenseful mood.

• He withholds information about Sol-leks to make him more mysterious.

• He plays with the timeline of the story in his foreshadowing and flashbacks.

Answer explanation

Analyze Plot

Which of the following details from the text shows the effect of the story’s setting on Buck’s character?

• But a friendly little yelp reassured him, and he went back to investigate.

• It was a hard day’s run, up the Canon, through Sheep Camp, past the Scales and the timber line . . .

• His muscles became as hard as iron, and he grew callous to all ordinary pain.

• Always, they broke camp in the dark, and the first gray of dawn found them hitting the trail . . .

Answer explanation

Analyze Setting

Which word best describes Spitz, the lead dog?

• hesitant

• fierce

• friendly

• meek

Answer explanation

Analyze Character

Which of the following words

means raised for human use?

• domesticated

• imperative

• placated

• belligerent

Answer explanation

Vocabulary

How is Buck’s new mode of life different from life in the Southland?

• He now has to follow a civilized code of life.

• He now has a more comfortable living arrangement.

• He now has to respect the property of others.

• He now has to live by a primitive code of survival.

Answer explanation

Compare and Contrast