Flush of Gold by Jack London (1905)
The story revolves around a young prospector who travels to the Klondike during the Gold Rush of the late 1800s. He faces numerous challenges and hardships in his quest for gold, including harsh weather conditions, treacherous terrain, and conflicts with other prospectors. As he navigates these obstacles, the protagonist undergoes significant personal growth and transformation, developing a stronger sense of resilience and determination. His experiences also lead him to re-evaluate his priorities and values, ultimately discovering what is truly important to him. Throughout the narrative, themes of survival, perseverance, and self-discovery are explored in depth. The story is characterized by vivid descriptions of the natural environment and the harsh realities of life as a prospector during this time period.
By Jack London · First published 1905 · Genre: Adventure, Drama, Tragedy · 7,524 words
First lines
Lon McFane was a bit grumpy, what of losing his tobacco pouch, or else he might have told me, before we got to it, something about the cabin at Surprise Lake. All day, turn and turn about, we had spelled each other at going to the fore and breaking trail for the dogs. It was heavy snowshoe work, and did not tend to make a man voluble, yet Lon McFane might have found breath enough at noon, when we stopped to boil coffee, with which to tell me. But he didn't. Surprise Lake? -- it was Surprise Cabin to me. I had never heard of it before. I confess I was a bit tired. I had been looking for Lon to stop and make camp any time for an hour; but I had too much pride to suggest making camp or to ask him his intentions; and yet he was my man, lured at a handsome wage to mush my dogs for me and to obey my commands. I guess I was a bit grumpy myself. He said nothing, and I was resolved to ask nothing, even if we tramped on all night.
What this Textopian page supports
Flush of Gold is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jack London, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Tragedy, Romance, Mystery
- Length: 7,524 words
- Structure: 1 section, 79 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Gold Hunters Of The North by Jack London
- There Were Ninety And Nine by Richard Harding Davis
- The Age Of Gold by Madison Cawein
- The One Thousand Dozen by Jack London
- Flower Of The North by James Oliver Curwood
- Hearts Of Three by Jack London
Genres
- Adventure — The story involves a journey through the wilderness, encounters with nature, and the challenges of survival in a harsh environment.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense emotional conflicts, personal relationships, and the psychological depth of the characters.
- Tragedy — The plot centers around the downfall of characters due to their flaws and circumstances, leading to a somber and poignant conclusion.
- Romance — The story explores themes of love, infatuation, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
Tags
Adventure · Historical Fiction · Gold Rush · California · 19th Century · American Literature · Fictionalized History · Pioneers · Prospectors · Mining · Settlement · Conflict