Read the excerpt from part 3 of The Call of the Wild.

Pike, who pulled at Buck's heels, and who never put an ounce more of his weight against the breast-band than he was compelled to do, was swiftly and repeatedly shaken for loafing; and ere the first day was done he was pulling more than ever before in his life. The first night in camp, Joe, the sour one, was punished roundly-a thing that Spitz had never succeeded in doing. Buck simply smothered him by virtue of superior weight, and cut him up till he ceased snapping and began to whine for mercy.

Q: The evidence from this excerpt best supports the theme that

A. strong leaders know how to maintain order.

B. we are all ruled by our natural instincts.

C. loyalty can be a strong force in the wild.

D. only the strongest are able to survive.

Answer: A. strong leaders know how to maintain order.

The best answer is indeed letter A. strong leaders know how to maintain order.

Explanation:

"The Call of the Wild" is a novel by Jack London. The main character is the dog Buck, who was stolen from his home. Buck used to have a comfortable life but, after being sold as a sled-dog, he has to put all his abilities and skills to use.

One of Buck's characteristics that allowed him not only to survive but also to thrive was his leadership skills. Even back at his original home, Buck was already a born leader. He enjoyed the feeling of bossing the other animals around. In the excerpt we are analyzing here, when Buck becomes the leader of the other sled-dogs, he is able to put things in order quickly. He knows how to punish and to motivate the lazy or disobedient ones. This excerpt is, therefore, working as evidence for the theme A. strong leaders know how to maintain order.