Final answer:
In Jack London's "The Call of the Wild," Mercedes, Charles, and Hal demonstrate a mixture of indifference and hostility towards each other as they prepare for their journey, which is indicative of their dysfunctional relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to the characters Mercedes, Charles, and Hal from Jack London's novel "The Call of the Wild." As these characters prepare for their journey, their behavior towards each other is not supportive, creating a dysfunctional team dynamic. They exhibit indifference and at times hostility towards each other, which ultimately impacts their ability to work together effectively and survive the harsh conditions they encounter. The treatment towards each other further underscores the themes of survival and the human-animal bond demonstrated throughout the novel.