What role does setting play in establishing the tone of the story?

The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences, which directly influences the overall tone of the story. In "The Call of the Wild," the harsh and untamed wilderness of the Yukon acts as a backdrop that profoundly affects Buck's transformation from a domesticated pet to a wild creature adapted to survival. The environmental challenges and the stark beauty of this setting evoke feelings of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, a connection to the primal instincts within Buck.

By immersing the characters in this specific wilderness environment, the narrative's tone shifts between moments of danger, isolation, and discovery, illustrating how the setting intensifies their emotional journeys. This interplay brings depth to the story and highlights how the challenges presented by the setting shape the characters' thoughts, reactions, and developments throughout the plot. Thus, the setting is not just a background but an active element that molds the characters' experiences and the story’s tone.