What does Buck's journey symbolize in "The Call of the Wild"?

Buck's journey symbolizes the conflict between domesticity and the wild. Throughout the novel, Buck is torn between his life as a pampered pet in a comfortable home and his instincts as a wild animal. His experiences in the harsh Yukon wilderness force him to adapt, embrace his primal instincts, and ultimately return to a more natural state. This internal struggle reflects the broader theme of the conflict between the constraints of civilization, represented by his life with John Thornton, and the freedom and savagery of the wild, which he increasingly identifies with as the story progresses. Buck's transformation illustrates the idea that while civilization can provide comfort, the call of nature and the instincts it invokes can be a powerful force that ultimately shapes identity and purpose.