What emotional state does Buck experience as he adapts to the wild?

As Buck adapts to the wild, he experiences an increasing sense of freedom and connection with his ancestral instincts and the natural world around him. This emotional evolution is portrayed throughout the narrative as Buck learns to listen to his primal instincts, shedding the constraints of domesticity and embracing his identity as a wolf.

This newfound freedom allows him to thrive in a way that he could not do while living as a pet in a human household. Rather than feeling confined or limited, Buck becomes empowered by his ability to navigate the wild, form bonds with other animals, and assert his place within the natural hierarchy. His journey symbolizes a return to a more intuitive and instinctive way of living, which fosters a deep connection not only to his own heritage but to the raw, untamed life of the wilderness itself.

The other choices do not encapsulate Buck's emotional growth during his transformation. Apathy towards his past would imply a total disengagement from his experiences, while fear and uncertainty do arise at the beginning of his journey, they do not define his overall adaptation and growth. A desperate longing to return to human life contradicts the profound realization and contentment Buck finds in embracing his wild nature.