War by Jack London (1906)
The novel explores the struggle for survival and the human condition through a group of men who are shipwrecked on a deserted island after a war at sea. The story delves into their descent into savagery, highlighting the effects of isolation and the breakdown of social norms.
By Jack London · First published 1906 · Genre: War, Adventure, Realism · 2,460 words
First lines
HE was a young man, not more than twenty-four or five, and he might have sat his horse with the careless grace of his youth had he not been so catlike and tense. His black eyes roved everywhere, catching the movements of twigs and branches where small birds hopped, questing ever onward through the changing vistas of trees and brush, and returning always to the clumps of undergrowth on either side. And as he watched, so did he listen, though he rode on in silence, save for the boom of heavy guns from far to the west. This had been sounding monotonously in his ears for hours, and only its cessation could have aroused his notice. For he had business closer to hand. Across his saddle-bow was balanced a carbine.
What this Textopian page supports
War 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: War, Adventure, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 2,460 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for War 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
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Similar titles
- Under Fire by Henri Barbusse
- The Soldier Boy by Oliver Optic
- Brother Against Brother by Oliver Optic
- Lost On The Steppe Or The Snowstorm A Tale by Leo Tolstoy
- An Odyssey Of The North by Jack London
- The Raid by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- War — The narrative is set against the backdrop of war, focusing on a soldier's experience and the constant threat of violence.
- Adventure — The story follows a soldier's journey through dangerous terrain, highlighting themes of survival and exploration.
- Realism — The detailed depiction of the soldier's environment and psychological state reflects a realistic portrayal of war.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the soldier's internal conflict and fear, exploring his mental state under duress.
Tags
War novel · Adventure fiction · Historical fiction · Military fiction · Classic literature · Realistic fiction · Coming of age · Social commentary · Anti-war · Pacifism · Human nature · Conflict