The Heathen by Jack London (1903)
The novel revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after serving time for murder. He struggles with the harsh realities of life and grapples with his own morality. The story explores themes of redemption, guilt, and the clash between civilization and nature.
By Jack London · First published 1903 · Genre: Adventure, Literary Fiction, Survival Fiction · 9,297 words
First lines
I met him first in a hurricane; and though we had gone through the hurricane on the same schooner, it was not until the schooner had gone to pieces under us that I first laid eyes on him. Without doubt I had seen him with the rest of the kanaka crew on board, but I had not consciously been aware of his existence, for the Petite Jeanne was rather overcrowded. In addition to her eight or ten kanaka seamen, her white captain, mate, and supercargo, and her six cabin passengers, she sailed from Rangiroa with something like eighty-five deck passengers -- Paumotans and Tahitians, men, women, and children each with a trade box, to say nothing of sleeping mats, blankets, and clothes bundles.
What this Textopian page supports
The Heathen is listed on Textopian as a novel by Jack London, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Jack London
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Literary Fiction, Survival Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sea Story
- Length: 9,297 words
- Structure: 1 section, 116 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Heathen 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Heathen?
- How does this novel by Jack London fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Adventure — The narrative centers around a perilous sea voyage, survival against nature, and the bond formed between characters during extreme circumstances.
- Literary Fiction — The story explores deep themes of friendship, loyalty, and the human condition, with a focus on character development and philosophical reflections.
- Survival Fiction — The plot revolves around survival in a life-threatening situation, highlighting the struggle against natural elements and disease.
- Historical Fiction — Set in the early 20th century, the story reflects the socio-cultural dynamics of the South Seas and the interactions between different ethnic groups.
Tags
Adventure · Fiction · Novel · Literary Fiction · Classic · American Literature · 19th Century · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Social Commentary · Class Struggle