When the World was Young
The story takes place in a remote wilderness area where a young man and his companion are stranded after their canoe capsizes. They must rely on their skills to survive the harsh environment and fend off wild animals, including a bear that becomes a recurring threat. The narrative explores themes of survival, human nature, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
By Jack London · First published 1900 · Genre: Adventure, Psychological Fiction, Horror · 7,461 words
First lines
HE was a very quiet, self-possessed sort of man, sitting a moment on top of the wall to sound the damp darkness for warnings of the dangers it might conceal. But the plummet of his hearing brought nothing to him save the moaning of wind through invisible trees and the rustling of leaves on swaying branches. A heavy fog drifted and drove before the wind, and though he could not see this fog, the wet of it blew upon his face, and the wall on which he sat was wet.
What this Textopian page supports
When the World was Young is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jack London, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Psychological Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Drama
- Length: 7,461 words
- Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for When the World was Young by Jack London
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering When the World was Young?
- How does this short story by Jack London fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The narrative involves a thrilling encounter with a wild man and a bear, emphasizing survival and physical challenges.
- Psychological Fiction — The story explores dual personality and the internal conflict between civilized and primitive selves.
- Horror — Elements of fear and terror are present, particularly in the encounters with the wild man and the bear.
- Mystery — The protagonist's dual nature and the wild man's identity create an air of mystery.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Coming-of-Age · Adventure · Romance · Literary Classic · American Literature · 19th Century Setting · Young Adult · Social Commentary · Realism · Philosophy · Existentialism