Major Issues
Author Links
Essay Questions

Major Issues

Although Jack London’s autobiographies and biographies reveal his attraction to the romance of travel and adventure, the portrayal of the natural world in his fiction is anything but romantic. Writing against the trends of 19th century romanticism and transcendentalism, London presents nature as harsh, unfeeling, and unconnected to humankind. Critics point to the pessimistic view of humanity in London’s early works, in which the tragic loss of instinct, dulled by intellect and arrogance, prevents his protagonists from adapting to and surviving in the natural world. Scholars observe, however, a greater optimism in his later writing, influenced by his reading of psychoanalytic theory. Here, human confrontation and struggle with nature can sometimes lead to new understanding and strength, although it might still end with death.

Author Links

The Jack London Collection
This useful starting place has a biography, bibliography, images, audio, and links.

The Life of Jack London As Reflected in His Work
This essay suggests many interesting connections between London’s biography and writing.

The Call of Jack London
This article traces London’s uneven reception by reviewers and readers.

Jack London’s Ranch Album
This site includes a picture of London’s typewriter, an account of his death, and Becky London’s memories of her father, along with more conventional information.

Who Was Jack London?
This site summarizes London’s achievements and exploits as a writer, sailor, gold prospector, and rancher.