In what ways does Buck connect with his ancestors throughout the journey?

Buck's journey in "The Call of the Wild" is fundamentally about rediscovering and connecting with the primal instincts inherited from his wild ancestors. As he faces the challenges of life in the wilderness, Buck gradually sheds the domesticated behaviors instilled in him as a pet and begins to remember the survival instincts that have been passed down through generations. This reconnection with his ancestry allows him not only to adapt to the harsh realities of his new environment but to thrive within it.

This transformation is illustrated through moments when Buck exhibits behaviors typical of wild canines, such as hunting, fighting for dominance, and forming bonds with other dogs based on instinctual social hierarchies. Instead of forgetting his past, he learns to embrace and utilize these ancestral traits, leading him to respond to the wilderness in a way that aligns with his genetic heritage. This marks a significant thematic element of the story, emphasizing the idea of nature versus nurture and the innate instincts that lie dormant within.

In contrast, losing touch with his past, avoiding similarities to his ancestors, or following human commands instinctively would indicate a denial of his true nature or an inability to adapt to the wild, which does not reflect Buck's journey toward self-actualization and empowerment through his ancestral awakening.