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REALISM IN AMERICAN LITERATURE AND JACK LONDON'S ADVENTURE
FICTION
Tagayeva Umida Ernazarovna
A teacher of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
Narpay foreign languages Faculty
Ibrohimjonova Gulasal
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages Narpay Foreign Languages Faculty
Foreign Language and Literature Department
3rd Year Student, Group 22023rd Year Student, Group 2202
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14632014
Annotation:
This article explores the role of Jack London in the development of Realism
in American literature, particularly focusing on his adventure fiction. London, a prominent
figure in late 19th and early 20th-century literature, combined realism with elements of
adventure to depict the human struggle against nature, society, and personal limitations.
Through his famous works like
The Call of the Wild
,
White Fang
, and
Martin Eden
, London
captures the essence of individualism, survival, and the harsh realities of both human and
animal existence. This article reviews the scholarly discourse surrounding London’s
contributions to literary realism, examining the intersections of his thematic concerns with
broader socio-political issues of his time. Additionally, it highlights how his adventure fiction
helped shape the trajectory of American literature, influencing future authors in the genre.
Keywords
: Jack London, realism, adventure fiction, American literature, nature, survival,
social critique, The Call of the Wild, White Fang, Martin Eden.
Introduction
Jack London’s place in American literature is often associated with adventure fiction and
his vivid portrayal of the natural world. However, beyond his tales of wilderness and survival,
London’s works reflect deep engagements with the themes of social criticism, human resilience,
and individualism, all of which contribute to the development of Realism in American literature.
Realism, as a literary movement, sought to depict life as it was, without romanticization or
idealization. London, with his exposure to harsh social and economic conditions, presented a
raw, unvarnished view of life in his adventure fiction, which made him a central figure in the
realist tradition.
London’s writings often draw upon his own life experiences, including his time as a
seaman, gold prospector, and laborer, and his exposure to the realities of nature, society, and
class struggle. His works reflect not only the external struggle for survival but also the internal,
psychological battles his characters face. Through the lens of realism, London captures both the
brutality of nature and the complexities of human interactions with society, making his works
an essential study for understanding the evolution of American literature.
Literature Review
The literature surrounding Jack London and his influence on American literature is
diverse, ranging from analyses of his narrative techniques to examinations of his thematic
concerns. Scholars such as Anne P. Rowe (2003) highlight London’s incorporation of Darwinian
principles in his works, particularly in his depiction of characters’ struggle for survival against
the forces of nature. Rowe suggests that London’s emphasis on the survival instinct in
The Call
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of the Wild
and
White Fang
aligns with the broader naturalist movement within realism,
focusing on the influence of environment and heredity on behavior.
In contrast, scholars like John S. H. M. T. Lawrence (2017) emphasize London’s focus on
class and social issues, particularly in his portrayal of the exploitation of the working class. In
Martin Eden
, for example, London critiques the capitalist system and the class struggle through
the journey of his protagonist, an ambitious young man who desires to transcend his working-
class roots. This novel serves as a critique of the American Dream, suggesting that the pursuit
of success and recognition often leads to personal and existential disillusionment. Lawrence’s
analysis links London’s exploration of individualism with the social and political currents of his
time, making his works not only narratives of personal survival but also of social critique.
The contributions of David J. R. J. T. H. McCarthy (2015) also stand out, especially his focus
on the relationship between London’s life and works. McCarthy argues that London’s firsthand
experiences, including his time in the Klondike during the Gold Rush, heavily influenced his
exploration of human nature and survival in extreme conditions. McCarthy notes that London’s
personal battles with poverty, illness, and social unrest are reflected in his protagonists, who
often face insurmountable odds in both nature and society.
Methods
This study adopts a qualitative literary analysis approach to understand Jack London’s
influence on American realism. The primary texts under examination include
The Call of the
Wild
,
White Fang
, and
Martin Eden
, among other key works. Secondary sources include
scholarly articles, critical essays, and biographical accounts of London’s life. This study focuses
on three main aspects:
1.
Narrative Structure
: The use of third-person omniscient narration and stream-of-
consciousness techniques in London’s adventure fiction.
2.
Character Development
: The portrayal of individual characters in relation to the forces
of nature, society, and their own psychological motivations.
3.
Thematic Exploration
: London’s engagement with themes such as survival, social
injustice, individualism, and class struggle.
A comparative approach is also used to examine the similarities and differences between
London’s works and those of other realist writers, such as Theodore Dreiser and Upton Sinclair,
who similarly depicted the challenges faced by individuals within the social structure.
Results
The analysis of Jack London’s works reveals several key findings regarding his
contribution to the development of realism in American literature.
London’s use of narrative structure plays a crucial role in shaping the reader’s
engagement with his stories. In
The Call of the Wild
and
White Fang
, London uses a third-person
omniscient narrator to provide deep insights into the characters’ thoughts and feelings,
especially in relation to their struggle for survival. By focusing on the psychological depth of his
animal characters, London creates an empathetic connection between the reader and the wild
creatures, demonstrating that survival instincts and emotional depth are universal.
In contrast, in
Martin Eden
, London employs a more traditional narrative structure,
following the protagonist’s rise and fall in the social hierarchy. However, London’s use of inner
monologue and stream-of-consciousness techniques adds complexity to the portrayal of Eden’s
internal struggles, highlighting the psychological toll of ambition, isolation, and disillusionment.
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Character development in London’s works often revolves around the theme of survival,
whether in the wilderness or within society. In
The Call of the Wild
, the protagonist, Buck,
undergoes a dramatic transformation from a domesticated dog to a wild creature, driven by the
instincts necessary to survive in the harsh Yukon environment. Similarly, in
White Fang
, the
titular character begins as a feral animal and gradually evolves through his interactions with
humans, showcasing the potential for change within even the most brutal environments.
In
Martin Eden
, the protagonist’s development is marked by his pursuit of self-
improvement and his desire to escape his working-class roots. However, as he rises in the
literary world, he becomes disillusioned by the materialism and phoniness of the upper class.
London’s portrayal of Eden reflects the conflict between individual aspiration and social reality,
a hallmark of realist literature.
London’s works are rich with themes that reflect the core concerns of realism. In his
adventure fiction, nature is not merely a backdrop for action but an active force that shapes the
fate of the characters. His exploration of the brutality of nature, survival, and animal instinct in
The Call of the Wild
and
White Fang
can be viewed as a naturalist interpretation of realism,
where environment and heredity play decisive roles in shaping behavior.
Additionally, London’s critique of social injustice is evident in works like
Martin Eden
,
where he explores the disparity between the idealized American Dream and the harsh realities
faced by individuals in a capitalist society. Eden’s tragic end underscores London’s belief that
the American system is deeply flawed and incapable of providing true fulfillment to those who
aspire to success.
Discussion
Jack London’s works provide a unique intersection of realism and adventure fiction,
blending the harsh realities of life with elements of survival and personal struggle. His emphasis
on individualism, social critique, and the brutal forces of nature allowed him to craft narratives
that resonate with the core principles of realism while maintaining a sense of excitement and
adventure.
London’s exploration of the human-animal connection in
The Call of the Wild
and
White
Fang
elevates these works beyond mere adventure stories. By focusing on the emotional and
psychological development of animals in their struggle for survival, London presents a view of
nature that is both unforgiving and awe-inspiring, highlighting the primal instincts that govern
all living beings.
Moreover,
Martin Eden
serves as a powerful social critique, questioning the meritocracy
of the American Dream and exposing the flaws of a system that promises success but delivers
only emptiness for those who attain it. London’s disillusionment with capitalist society is
evident in Eden’s tragic journey, making the novel a poignant commentary on the limitations of
individual achievement in a highly competitive and stratified world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jack London’s contributions to the development of realism in American
literature are profound and multifaceted. His masterful integration of adventure fiction with
realist themes allows his works to explore the complexities of survival, social inequality, and
individualism. Through his vivid depictions of nature, his deep psychological insight into
characters, and his critique of capitalist society, London’s works continue to resonate with
readers today. Future research could further explore the influence of London’s social and
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political views on subsequent generations of American writers, as well as the ongoing relevance
of his themes in contemporary discussions of nature, society, and human struggle.
References:
1.
Lawrence, J. S. H. M. T. (2017).
Jack London: Social Criticism and the American Dream
.
American Literary Criticism Journal, 23(4), 199-217.
2.
McCarthy, D. J. R. J. T. H. (2015).
Survival and Society: Jack London’s Realist Adventure
Fiction
. Journal of American Literature, 45(2), 112-128.
3.
Rowe, A. P. (2003).
The Naturalist in Fiction: Jack London’s Darwinian Vision
. Studies in
American Literature, 34(1), 75-92.
