In a short story, you can often identify the main theme by analyzing the of the conflict.

allusion   is the right answer

answer: buck is a dog living a charmed life on the estate of judge miller, during the time of the klondike gold rush in 1897. he is the king of all the animals on the estate and as such enjoys special privileges, such as the run of the estate and the admirable position of being the judge's favorite dog.

this all ends the day he accompanies manuel on a walk through the orchard to a flag station, where manuel sells him to a stranger. manuel sells buck, because he has gambling debts he needs to pay and a family to support.

this one act changes buck's life irrevocably. it is the catalyst for the rest of the story about buck and his transformation from domestic pet to wild animal.

explanation: read thoughroly ! and u will find your answer and the mean time i will be keeping my eye on you !