Buck vs. Chief

Attribute	Buck	Chief
Species	St. Bernard/Scotch Shepherd mix	German Shepherd
Age	4 years old	6 years old
Size	Large	Large
Color	Brown and white	Black and tan
Personality	Loyal, brave, and strong	Protective, intelligent, and obedient

Physical Attributes

Buck, the protagonist of Jack London's novel "The Call of the Wild," is a large and powerful St. Bernard-Scotch Shepherd mix. He is described as having a muscular build, thick fur, and keen eyes. In contrast, Chief, the protagonist of Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire," is a smaller and leaner dog. Chief is a Husky, known for their endurance and agility. While Buck is more imposing in size, Chief is more nimble and quick on his feet.

Personality Traits

Buck is portrayed as a confident and assertive dog, with a strong sense of leadership. He is fiercely independent and determined, always striving to be at the top of the pack. Chief, on the other hand, is depicted as more cautious and observant. He is known for his intelligence and ability to adapt to different situations. While Buck is driven by his desire for dominance, Chief is motivated by survival instincts and a keen sense of self-preservation.

Background and History

Buck comes from a comfortable and privileged background, living as a pet in a wealthy family's home. He is taken from his home and sold into the harsh world of the Klondike Gold Rush, where he must learn to survive in the wild. Chief, on the other hand, is a sled dog who has always lived in the wilderness. He is accustomed to the harsh conditions of the Yukon and relies on his instincts to navigate the unforgiving landscape. While Buck experiences a dramatic shift in his lifestyle, Chief is already well-adapted to the challenges of the wilderness.

Relationships with Humans

Buck forms a strong bond with his human companions, particularly with John Thornton, who becomes his beloved master. Buck's loyalty and devotion to Thornton are unwavering, and he will do anything to protect and serve him. Chief, on the other hand, has a more transactional relationship with humans. He sees them as providers of food and shelter, but does not form deep emotional connections with them. Chief's interactions with humans are based on pragmatism and survival, rather than emotional attachment.

Character Development

Throughout "The Call of the Wild," Buck undergoes a profound transformation as he adapts to the harsh realities of the wilderness. He learns to embrace his primal instincts and tap into his ancestral memories to survive and thrive in the wild. Chief, on the other hand, remains relatively unchanged throughout "To Build a Fire." He faces challenges and obstacles, but his core personality and beliefs remain consistent. While Buck evolves and grows as a character, Chief remains steadfast in his beliefs and values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Buck and Chief are two distinct characters with unique attributes and qualities. Buck is a powerful and confident leader, while Chief is a nimble and observant survivor. Their physical attributes, personality traits, backgrounds, relationships with humans, and character development all contribute to their individuality and complexity as characters in Jack London's works. While Buck undergoes a significant transformation in "The Call of the Wild," Chief remains true to his instincts and beliefs in "To Build a Fire." Both characters offer valuable insights into the human-animal bond and the challenges of survival in the wilderness.