Semper Idem by Jack London (1904)
The novel explores the theme of identity and morality through the story of a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for many years. He becomes embroiled in a conflict between two rival groups, one representing tradition and the other progress. The protagonist's experiences serve as a catalyst for him to re-evaluate his own values and sense of self. The narrative is structured around the protagonist's inner turmoil and his struggles with the societal expectations placed upon him. Through his interactions with various characters, he grapples with questions of loyalty, duty, and personal responsibility. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced exploration of the complexities of human nature, highlighting the tensions between individual desire and collective obligation.
By Jack London · First published 1904 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Medical Fiction, Mystery · 1,935 words
First lines
Doctor Bicknell was in a remarkably gracious mood. Through a minor accident, a slight bit of carelessness, that was all, a man who might have pulled through had died the preceding night. Though it had been only a sailorman, one of the innumerable unwashed, the steward of the receiving hospital had been on the anxious seat all the morning. It was not that the man had died that gave him discomfort, he knew the Doctor too well for that, but his distress lay in the fact that the operation had been done so well. One of the most delicate in surgery, it had been as successful as it was clever and audacious. All had then depended upon the treatment, the nurses, the steward. And the man had died. Nothing much, a bit of carelessness, yet enough to bring the professional wrath of Doctor Bicknell about his ears and to perturb the working of the staff and nurses for twenty-four hours to come.
What this Textopian page supports
Semper Idem is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jack London, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Medical Fiction, Mystery, Drama, Tragedy
- Length: 1,935 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Semper Idem by Jack London
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Semper Idem?
- How does this short story by Jack London fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Samuel by Jack London
- Trust by Jack London
- The Unexpected by Jack London
- That Dead Men Rise Up Never by Jack London
- One Day More by Joseph Conrad
- Peter God by James Oliver Curwood
Genres
- Psychological Fiction — Explores the psychological state and motivations of the characters, particularly focusing on the enigmatic Semper Idem and the detached Doctor Bicknell.
- Medical Fiction — Centers around medical procedures and the professional life of a surgeon, highlighting the intricacies and challenges of surgery.
- Mystery — Involves the mysterious identity and background of Semper Idem, which remains unsolved and piques the curiosity of various characters.
- Drama — Contains dramatic elements such as life-and-death situations, personal struggles, and the emotional detachment of the doctor.
Tags
Adventure · Classic · Fiction · Literary · Novel · Philosophical · Psychological · Realism · Social Commentary · Symbolic · Themes · Existentialism