What important event is symbolized by Buck's leadership of the pack?

Buck's leadership of the pack symbolizes a significant transition in his character as he embraces his primal instincts and rightful place within the wild. This moment marks a culmination of his journey from domestication to becoming a powerful figure in the wilderness, signifying a return to his ancestral roots. As Buck leads the pack, it reflects his complete adaptation to the brutal realities of nature and the innate wildness that he has unlocked within himself.

This pivotal event indicates not only his emergence as a leader but also foreshadows his ultimate acceptance of a life aligned with the wild, which connects deeply with the themes of survival and instinct that permeate the narrative. Buck's rise to leadership is a clear indication of his internal transformation and foreshadows the choices he will make as he moves further away from human civilization and towards total freedom in his natural habitat.