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The Law of Life

The Law of Life: Short story by Jack LondonJack London‘s The Law of Life tells of the life and impending death of Koskoosh, an old Inuit who was once chief of his tribe but is left by them to die in the snow. Some critics suggest that although Koskoosh is the protagonist, the real hero of the story is an old moose that was too weak to keep up with its herd. Can you see why? Major themes: the inevitability of death (the law of life), survival of the individual (man vs. nature), survival of the tribe (expendability of the old and weak), tradition, courage, acceptance. More…

To Build a Fire

To Build a Fire: Short story by Jack LondonJack London is one of the leading authors in a literary style called “naturalism”. Such stories deal with the unforgiving power of nature and man’s struggle for survival. To Build a Fire takes place in the frozen wilds of Alaska. A poorly prepared prospector decides to return to his camp in dangerously cold weather conditions, ignoring advice from more experienced men never to travel through the snow alone. A single foolish mistake brings disaster and the most comfortable and satisfying sleep he had ever known. Themes include survival (man vs. nature), listening to advice, preparedness, instinct vs. intellect, death. More…