A Nose for the King by Jack London
The story revolves around a young man who becomes embroiled in a plot to assassinate the king of England during the reign of James I. The protagonist's involvement stems from his association with a group of conspirators, including a woman who has been wronged by the monarch. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the protagonist is not merely an innocent bystander but rather a key player in the plot. His actions are driven by a desire for revenge against the king, whom he perceives as responsible for his own misfortunes. Throughout the story, themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption are explored through the complex relationships between the characters. The protagonist's moral ambiguity is a central aspect of the narrative, raising questions about the nature of right and wrong in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the story builds towards a dramatic confrontation that will determine the fate not only of the king but also of the protagonist himself.
By Jack London · First published 1906 · Genre: Fable, Satire, Adventure · 2,368 words
First lines
In the morning calm of Korea, when its peace and tranquillity truly merited its ancient name, "Cho-sen," there lived a politician by name Yi Chin Ho. He was a man of parts, and -- who shall say? -- perhaps in no wise worse than politicians the world over. But, unlike his brethren in other lands, Yi Chin Ho was in jail. Not that he had inadvertently diverted to himself public moneys, but that he had inadvertently diverted too much. Excess is to be deplored in all things, even in grafting, and Yi Chin Ho's excess had brought him to most deplorable straits.
What this Textopian page supports
A Nose for the King is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jack London, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Jack London
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Satire, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Comedy
- Length: 2,368 words
- Structure: 1 section, 62 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Nose for the King by Jack London
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fable — The story uses a fictional narrative to convey a moral lesson, typical of fables.
- Satire — The narrative critiques political corruption and human folly through humor and irony.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey with a specific goal, encountering challenges along the way.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and cultural references are rooted in historical Korea, providing a backdrop for the fictional tale.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Adventure · Mystery · Thriller · Detective · Crime · Suspense · Action · Romance · Drama · Humor · Satire