Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to analyze and interpret the themes and symbolism in The Call of the Wild, and apply them to your own writing.
Materials and Prep
- A copy of The Call of the Wild by Jack London
- Pen or pencil
- Notebook or loose-leaf paper
Activities
Read Chapters 1-3 of The Call of the Wild. Take notes on the main events and characters.
Choose a theme from the book and write a short paragraph explaining how it is portrayed in the story.
Identify a symbol used in the book and write a paragraph explaining its significance.
Write a one-page creative story or poem inspired by The Call of the Wild. Incorporate at least one theme and one symbol from the book.
Seventh Grade Talking Points
"The Call of the Wild is a novel written by Jack London in 1903. It tells the story of a dog named Buck who is taken from his comfortable life in California and forced to adapt to the harsh conditions of the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska."
"Themes are recurring ideas or messages in a story. Some possible themes in The Call of the Wild include survival, instinct, and the power of the wild."
"Symbols are objects, characters, or events that represent deeper meanings. For example, in The Call of the Wild, the sled dogs represent different aspects of human nature."
"Analyzing themes and symbols in a story can help us understand the author's message and make connections to our own lives."
"By incorporating themes and symbols from The Call of the Wild into your own writing, you can add depth and meaning to your stories or poems."