1) in a description of Buck - "He was older than the days he had seen and the breaths he had drawn."
2) Thornton's words after Buck's attempted jump from the cliff - "'No, it it splendid, and it is terrible, too. Do you know, it sometimes makes me afraid."
2 comments:
I think the quote about Buck, “He was older than the days he had seen and the breaths he had drawn,” means that Buck is more experienced then dogs at his age are, especially since his wild instincts have strengthened, and the years he spent in Santa Clara with Judge Miller have “fallen away” from him. He’s seen and done more than dogs usually do, living in the harsh Northland, when the rule of fang and club reign. He’s learned that he must master or be mastered, kill or be killed, and that is the law he lives by. He knew more than an average dog who had lived as long as he had did.
Thorton means, I think, when he said, “No, it is splendid, and it is terrible too. Do you know, it sometimes makes me afraid,” that he feels both in awe and scared of how much Buck loves him and the things Buck would do for him unquestionably if he asks for it. Having someone—human, animal, or anything else—who loves you so unconditionally is a wonderful yet terrifying thing. Those with this sort of power over another cannot take it likely, and these kinds of bonds come with heavy responsibility. Thorton is scared because someday, he might do something rash and kill Buck, since Buck would do anything for him. Loyalty to this extent is almost miraculous.
1. He is feeling the instincts of his ancestors, whose years, when added to his, are more than he has actually experienced. He is feeling as if his ancestors were there themselves. His recent experiences have undomesticated him, and he is beginning to feel more wild.
2. He feels a big responsibility, having complete power over Buck. If he gives Buck an order, Buck will follow it without a doubt, even if it leads to certain death. Buck has complete loyalty toward him, and if he tells Buck to do something that kills Buck, it will be on his conscience forever.
Post a Comment