The Heathen by Jack London

Hello Everyone,

I am Hinaba Sarvaiya. This blog is based on my UG syllabus. Here I will explain The Heathen by Jack London.

 About Author:-

Jack London was an American author, journalist, and social activist who lived from 1876 to 1916. He is best known for his adventure novels and stories, including "The Call of the Wild," "White Fang," and "To Build a Fire." London grew up in poverty and worked in a variety of jobs, including as a gold miner and a journalist, before becoming a successful writer. He was known for his vivid, realistic descriptions of nature and his explorations of themes such as social inequality, individualism, and the struggle for survival. London's works have had a lasting impact on American literature and continue to be widely read and studied today.

About Short Story:-

"The Heathen" is a short story by American author Jack London. It tells the story of Crosby, a sailor on a whaling ship who is marooned on a Pacific island after a mutiny. There, he meets an indigenous man whom he refers to as "the heathen."

Crosby initially views the heathen with disdain and considers him to be uncivilized. However, as time goes by, Crosby begins to see the heathen's admirable qualities. He admires the heathen's strength, agility, and survival skills. He also begins to appreciate the heathen's spirituality and his connection to nature.

Eventually, Crosby realizes that his own way of life has its flaws. He recognizes that the civilization he comes from is plagued by greed, cruelty, and exploitation. He begins to question whether his own culture is truly superior to the heathen's.

The story is a commentary on the clash of cultures that occurred during the Age of Exploration, as Europeans encountered people from other parts of the world. London uses the character of Crosby to represent the arrogance and narrow-mindedness of some Europeans who saw their culture as superior to others. However, the story also shows the possibility of cultural exchange and mutual respect.

In summary, "The Heathen" is a story about the clash of cultures and the possibility of learning from people who are different from us. It invites readers to question their own assumptions and biases and to appreciate the value of diversity.