First, History. The book teaches you about the gold rush in alaska. “A hundred,” was the reply “wouldn’t take a soul less, so help me.” This shows how hard the times were then, trying to bargain for the dog. It teaches you the hard times then. “For two days and nights buck hasn't eaten” This explains how difficult the times were. The book is fictional it doesn't relate to history. The original book was based off of true events.
Secondary, Embarrassment.