During our first session, we studied Buck's transformation from a domesticated dog to a dog who must survive the violence of Man and the Yukon. After I reviewed the relationship between the Naturalist genre and Darwinism, Jaydn discussed Buck's first violent encounter with the "man in the red sweater" who clubs Buck into a form of submission. We explored the meaning of Buck's recognizing he must obey but does have to submit. We studied the personalities of the other dogs. Curly is a good natured dog while Spitz is treacherous and deceitful. Jaydn did well recognizing these character traits and predicting how each might thrive or wither in the Yukon. During the final segment Jaydn worked on preparing written responses to study guide questions. During our second session, we reviewed Jaydn's study guide responses . I further provided instruction on how to write a quote analysis :context ,paraphrase, and significance. We then worked on writing an analyis of two quotes from the novel, the first dealing with the motif of atavism, the second addressing writing style. In connection with the second analysis, I provided definitions of the terms"simile and paradox" which Jaydn incorporated into her written work. We then examined the chapter summary for the next chapter and noted how the theme of atavism will manifest in chapter 2. While discussing the novel's unique point of view , i.e. from the perspective of Buck, a sled dog, we also had a very interesting talk about animal sentience in general and the cruelty inherent in using animals for Man's entertainment.