Buck vs. Hump

Attribute	Buck	Hump
Animal	Male deer	Camel
Physical feature	Antlers	Hump on back
Habitat	Forests	Deserts
Use by humans	Hunting	Transportation

Introduction

When it comes to comparing the attributes of two characters in literature, it is important to delve deep into their personalities, actions, and motivations. In this article, we will be comparing Buck and Hump, two iconic characters from classic novels, to understand their similarities and differences.

Background

Buck is the protagonist of Jack London's novel "The Call of the Wild," while Hump is the protagonist of Jack London's other novel "The Sea-Wolf." Both characters are thrust into challenging situations that test their strength, resilience, and survival instincts. Buck is a domesticated dog who is forced to adapt to the harsh realities of the Alaskan wilderness, while Hump is a literary critic who finds himself aboard a seal-hunting ship after a shipwreck.

Physical Attributes

Buck is described as a large and powerful dog, with a thick coat of fur that helps him withstand the cold temperatures of the Yukon. His muscles are well-developed from years of pulling sleds and hunting for food. In contrast, Hump is a lean and wiry man, with a weather-beaten face and calloused hands from years of hard labor on the sea. His physical strength comes from his ability to navigate the treacherous waters and handle the rigors of life at sea.

Personality Traits

One of the key differences between Buck and Hump lies in their personalities. Buck is portrayed as loyal, brave, and fiercely independent. He is quick to adapt to his new environment and shows a strong sense of loyalty to his human masters. On the other hand, Hump is cynical, self-reliant, and skeptical of others. He is a loner who prefers to keep to himself and trusts no one but himself.

Survival Instincts

Both Buck and Hump possess strong survival instincts that help them navigate the challenges they face. Buck relies on his keen sense of smell, sharp instincts, and physical strength to survive in the wild. He learns to hunt for food, protect himself from predators, and navigate the harsh terrain of the Yukon. Similarly, Hump uses his intelligence, resourcefulness, and cunning to outwit his enemies and survive the dangers of the sea. He learns to navigate the ship, handle the crew, and make tough decisions in life-threatening situations.

Relationships with Others

Another key difference between Buck and Hump is their relationships with others. Buck forms strong bonds with his human masters and fellow sled dogs, showing loyalty and affection towards them. He learns to trust and rely on others for survival, forming deep connections that shape his actions and decisions. In contrast, Hump is a loner who struggles to connect with others on an emotional level. He is wary of forming attachments and prefers to keep his distance from others, viewing them with suspicion and distrust.

Motivations

Both Buck and Hump are driven by different motivations that shape their actions and decisions throughout their respective novels. Buck is motivated by a desire for freedom, independence, and a return to his primal instincts. He longs to break free from the constraints of civilization and embrace his wild nature. On the other hand, Hump is motivated by a desire for power, control, and dominance. He seeks to assert his authority over others and prove his superiority in a world filled with challenges and dangers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Buck and Hump are two complex characters with distinct attributes that set them apart from each other. While Buck is a loyal and brave dog who learns to survive in the wild, Hump is a cynical and self-reliant man who navigates the dangers of the sea with cunning and intelligence. Despite their differences, both characters share a common thread of resilience, strength, and survival instincts that define their journeys and shape their destinies.