Law of Life
Jack London's "The Law of Life" needs to be applied to a sophomore American literature course for three reasons - London's details are rich elements of good writing, the story gives a glimpse into a Native American lifestyle that is long passed, and it forces the reader to confront their own fears of death and the unknown.
Jack London is a fine writer, and this is one of his lesser-known but representative works on the Arctic and the lives of the people who live there. He fills the story with rich details of Native American life, such as the custom of leaving the old and infirm behind to die, so they do not weigh down the entire tribe. Studying London's writing is important for students, because it illustrates how to use vivid details and descriptions as part of a memorable story.
The story also illustrates London's understanding of the Native Americans in the Arctic - how they live and how they die. This is a glimpse into the past, and it shows students how difficult life was in the frozen north, and how the Natives' lifestyle took advantage of every opportunity to survive in the cold and difficult conditions. It also shows how the Natives did not fear their fate.
The story also forces the reader to confront his or her own feelings about death and dying. Some might find the old man's fate barbaric, to be left alone with a pack of wolves to die, but he does not suffer from that worry, he knows he has lived a good life, and that life comes to an end for everyone. It is interesting that he attempts to fight the wolves, and then simply accepts his fate; it is a lesson for the reader that death is not to be feared.
In conclusion, this story is perfect for a sophomore American literature class because London is a representative and talented American writer, he writes of Native American culture with great detail, and the story makes the reader think about death and dying.
He is also adrift intellectually, examining books randomly he does not yet have the background to read and understand, intimidated by Ruth's superior education. London says about Eden at this time, "it seemed that the room was lifting, heeling, and plunging like a ship upon the sea" (Chapter 7, p. 1). Frustrated, he is like a sailor caught in a storm before he has learned how to sail. He
Man vs. Nature in "To Build a Fire" While man would like to believe in his strength and wisdom, there are times when he must comes to terms with the harsh reality of his weakness. In Jack London's short story, "To Build a Fire," we see mankind in perspective to nature. Mankind would like to believe that he controls the world and the events in it but the opposite is true.
He also provides very interesting passages from London on his own work and the ideological inoculations which have also undermined the value of London's writings. Ludington, Townsend. "Jack London: Overview." Reference Guide to American Literature. Ed. Jim Kamp. 3rd ed. Detroit: St. James Press, 1994. Townsend talks about London's background and childhood, as well as his Socialist views, and their influence on his adult life and writings: "London saw himself as
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