What theme does Buck's transformation in the wilderness highlight?

Buck's transformation in the wilderness underscores the struggle between civilization and primal instincts. Throughout the story, Buck evolves from a domesticated pet into a strong, independent creature who embraces his ancestral instincts. This journey is marked by challenges that force him to tap into his primal nature, revealing the inherent instincts that lie dormant within him when he was living in the comforts of civilization.

As Buck faces the harsh realities of nature, he learns to rely on instinct over learned behavior, highlighting the conflict between the constraints of domestic life and the call of the wild. His evolution serves as a reflection of the broader theme of the struggle between the civilized world, which emphasizes order and routine, and the wild, where survival depends on understanding and harnessing one's primal instincts. This thematic exploration reveals the tension between these two worlds, making it a central focus of Buck's journey and character development.

In contrast, the other options do not capture this theme as effectively. The superiority of domestic life suggests that civilization is better, which Buck ultimately rejects. The insignificance of natural instincts misrepresents the significance they hold for Buck’s survival. Lastly, the ease of adapting to survival overlooks the considerable hardships and struggles that Buck encounters throughout his transformation.