International Journal Of Literature And Languages
85
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue04 2025
PAGE NO.
85-87
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue04-22
Social Attitudes in
Jack London’s Works
Isakova Barchinoy Ne’matovna
English teacher at Fergana Academic Lyceum of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Independent researcher at
Fergana State University, Uzbekistan
Received:
28 February 2025;
Accepted:
24 March 2025;
Published:
28 April 2025
Abstract:
This paper analyzes Jack London’s critique of social systems through his novels Martin Eden, The Call of
the Wild, and The Sea-Wolf. Using literary criticism, it explores themes of class struggle, individualism, and
capitalist oppression. London’s protago
nists emdiv the tensions between personal ambition and systemic
barriers, illustrating the harsh realities of social mobility. The study highlights how London’s portrayal of survival,
rebellion, and societal constraints remains relevant to contemporary discussions on social inequality and justice.
Keywords:
Social critique, Class struggles, Capitalism, Individualism, Social systems, Class mobility, Social
Darwinism, Capitalist exploitation, Human nature, Wilderness, Social inequality, Social justice.
Introduction:
Jack London is a prominent figure in
American literature, known for his works that explore
the depths of human nature, survival, and the
complexities of social structures. As an advocate of
social reform, his works critique the capitalist system,
focusing on class struggles, social injustice, and the
limitations placed on individuals by these systems.
London, born into poverty and having worked in
various harsh conditions, drew heavily from his
personal experiences to craft narratives that
interrogated social systems and the human condition.
In works such as The Call of the Wild (1903), Martin
Eden (1909), and The Sea-Wolf (1904), London
explored themes of individualism, the survival of the
fittest, and the rejection of societal norms. These
themes, although expressed through different
settings
—
ranging from the wilderness to the turbulent
seas
—
reveal a consistent critique of class structures
and the economic disparities that underpin capitalist
societies. This paper aims to analyze how London’s
works reflect his views on society and human nature,
particularly through the lens of class conflicts and the
struggle for social mobility.
By examining key novels and protagonists, this study
will explore how London critiques the social and
economic systems of his time, and how his portrayals
of individual struggle serve as a broader commentary
on the inherent flaws within these systems. The
analysis will not only delve into the characters' personal
battles but also consider the broader social forces at
play, particularly the tensions between individualism
and social responsibility.
METHOD
This study conducts a focused literary analysis of Jack
London’s portrayal of social systems and class struggles
in three of his major works: Martin Eden, The Call of the
Wild, and The Sea-Wolf. These novels were selected for
their rich exploration of London’s evolving critique of
capitalist structures, individualism, and the nature of
survival under societal pressures.
The analysis employs close reading techniques,
emphasizing
narrative
structure,
character
development, and thematic elements. Marxist theory
serves as the primary critical lens, helping to uncover
the class dynamics and social inequalities depicted in
London’s narratives. Secondary sources, including
scholarly articles, critical biographies, and historical
studies of the period, are used to contextualize
London’s writing within broader socio
-economic
debates of his time.
A comparative approach is applied to examine how
London presents similar critiques across different
environments
—
urban society, the wilderness, and life
at sea. This comparative analysis reveals a consistent
thread in London’s social commentary, despite the
varied settings and character types he employs.
Through this method, the paper demonstrates how
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
86
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
London’s works reflec
t his deep skepticism toward
capitalist values and his enduring concern for social
justice.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In Martin Eden, the protagonist’s journey is emblematic
of the struggle for social mobility within a capitalist
system. Martin, a working-class man, seeks to climb the
social ladder through his intellectual and artistic
abilities. However, despite his talent, he is consistently
rejected by the elite, not only due to his humble origins
but also because of the rigid class structures that
prioritize wealth over merit. The novel portrays the
futility of the American Dream for the working class,
illustrating the inherent barriers to social mobility in a
capitalist society.
Eden’s tragic end—
his suicide after achieving literary
success
—
highlights the psychological toll of striving
within an unjust system. His death symbolizes the
collapse of the individual under the weight of societal
expectations, materialism, and class discrimination. In
this sense, London critiques the very ideals of
individualism and self-made success that the capitalist
system promotes. Through Eden’s story, London
questions whether true self-realization is possible in a
society that imposes strict class boundaries and values
success over humanity.
In The Call of the Wild, London uses the character of
Buck, a domesticated dog, to explore themes of
survival and the return to a more primal state. The
novel is an allegory for human society, wherein Buck’s
journey from a pampered pet to a fierce and
independent creature of the wild parallels the way
individuals are often forced to relinquish their
humanity and become consumed by the competitive
forces of survival within capitalist structures. In the
wild, Buck finds freedom, but it comes with violence
and the constant need to assert his dominance. This
reflects London’s belief that capitalist society strips
individuals of their compassion and moral values,
reducing them to mere competitors in the race for
survival.
The theme of survival is also explored in The Sea-Wolf,
where the character of Wolf Larsen embodies the
philosophy of social Darwinism. Larsen’s worldview,
which equates survival with strength and ruthlessness,
serves as a critique of the capitalist notion that the
strongest and most competitive individuals should rise
to the top. Larsen rejects traditional morality, seeing it
as a weakness that prevents individuals from achieving
greatness. Through Larsen, London critiques the
dehumanizing aspects of the capitalist system, showing
how the pursuit of power and dominance leads to
isolation and existential despair. The novel positions
Larsen as both a symbol of capitalist oppression and a
representation of the dangers of unchecked
individualism.
In all three works, London emphasizes the struggle of
the individual against societal norms, with varying
degrees of success. While the protagonists in The Call
of the Wild and The Sea-Wolf manage to break free
from the confines of their respective societies, they do
so at a great personal cost. In Martin Eden, the
protagonist’s tragic end u
nderscores the futility of
trying to fit into a society that is fundamentally flawed
and unjust.
London’s critique of social systems is rooted in his
personal experiences as a worker and an activist. His
background in labor movements and his awareness of
the inequalities within capitalist society are evident
throughout his works. In Martin Eden, the protagonist’s
fight to succeed in a capitalist world represents the
broader struggle of the working class to gain
recognition and equality. London’s portrayal of Eden’s
failure is a commentary on the myth of meritocracy and
the way in which social structures inherently favor the
elite.
In The Call of the Wild, London contrasts the civilization
of human society with the rawness of nature,
presenting the wilderness as a place where freedom
and survival are paramount. Buck’s transformation
symbolizes a return to a more authentic existence, free
from the societal constraints imposed by capitalism.
However, this freedom is not without its own
challenges. London’s portrayal of Buck’s experience
suggests that while society may be oppressive, the path
to freedom is fraught with hardship and violence, a
theme that is also central to his critique of capitalist
individualism.
In The Sea-Wolf, the figure of Wolf Larsen represents
the extreme end of individualism. Larsen’s philosophy
of survival of the fittest rejects any notion of social
cooperation or moral responsibility. London critiques
this viewpoint by showing how Larsen’s obsession with
power and self-reliance ultimately leads to his
alienation and isolation. Larsen’s character serves as a
cautionary tale about the dangers of embracing an
individualistic, Darwinian worldview that ignores the
importance of community and collective well-being.
London’s works also reflect hi
s belief in the potential
for social change. Despite the grim realities portrayed
in his novels, there is an underlying sense of hope that
individuals can break free from the constraints of social
systems. However, London’s protagonists often
achieve this freedom through rebellion or escape,
highlighting the difficulty of overcoming systemic
oppression. His works challenge readers to question
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
the fairness of the social order and the impact of
capitalism on human relationships, offering a critique
that remains relevant to contemporary discussions of
social justice and inequality.
CONCLUSION
Jack London’s literary legacy is defined by his bold
critiques of capitalist society and his exploration of
class struggles, individualism, and the human desire for
freedom. Through the protagonists in Martin Eden, The
Call of the Wild, and The Sea-Wolf, London examines
the limitations and injustices of social systems,
highlighting the psychological, emotional, and physical
toll these systems take on individuals. His works call
into question the validity of social hierarchies and the
notion of meritocracy, while also offering a powerful
critique of the dehumanizing aspects of capitalism.
While London’s works suggest that individuals can
break free from oppressive systems, they also warn of
the costs involved in such a struggle. The protagonists’
journeys are marked by sacrifice, violence, and
personal loss, reflecting the harsh realities of
attempting to live outside the bounds of societal
norms. Nevertheless, London’s portra
yal of resistance
and resilience in the face of injustice continues to
resonate with contemporary readers, making his works
both timeless and highly relevant to ongoing debates
about social inequality and individual freedom.
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