Koolau the Leper by Jack London
The story revolves around a young Hawaiian man who contracts leprosy and is forced to live on a remote island with other outcasts. He struggles with the physical and emotional toll of his disease, while also grappling with the cultural and social isolation imposed upon him by society. Through Koolau's experiences, the narrative explores themes of identity, community, and the human condition in the face of suffering and marginalization.
By Jack London · First published 1918 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Tragedy · 7,058 words
First lines
"Because we are sick they take away our liberty. We have obeyed the law. We have done no wrong. And yet they would put us in prison. Molokai is a prison. That you know. Niuli, there, his sister was sent to Molokai seven years ago. He has not seen her since. Nor will he ever see her. She must stay there until she dies. This is not her will. It is not Niuli's will. It is the will of the white men who rule the land. And who are these white men?
What this Textopian page supports
Koolau the Leper is listed on Textopian as a novella by Jack London, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Jack London
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Drama
- Length: 7,058 words
- Structure: 1 section, 104 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Koolau the Leper by Jack London
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of historical events in Hawaii, specifically the leprosy epidemic and the forced relocation of lepers to Molokai.
- Adventure — The story follows Koolau's defiance and survival against the authorities, involving elements of pursuit and conflict in a rugged landscape.
- Tragedy — The themes of disease, loss, and inevitable death pervade the story, highlighting the tragic fate of Koolau and his people.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques colonialism and the injustices faced by native Hawaiians, particularly in relation to land ownership and cultural displacement.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Social Commentary · Medical Drama · Colonialism · Isolation · Mental Health · Physical Disability · Stigma · Suffering · Resilience · Survival · Hawaii