"Martin Eden"

Paper Summary:

Author Jack London was greatly influenced by an array of prominent philosophers and it is especially evident in his novel "Martin Eden". The paper describes how the story tells of a young, uneducated man who vies for the affections of Ruth Morris, a young woman of a higher class. Martin Eden decides to educate himself and become a writer in order to gain her respect, and finally her love. The paper shows that the novel, which is an autobiographical tale of London's own search of knowledge, invokes many philosophies, including those of English philosopher, Herbert Spencer, American naturalist and educator, David Starr Jordan and English biologist; Thomas Henry Huxley. The paper shows how these philosophies are incorporated into the novel.

From the Paper:

"We understand a "somnambulist" to be someone who walks in his or her sleep. London would be fascinated with Spencer's principals for his entire life, and it believed Spencer was a large influence on London's racialism. Spencer adapted his theory of evolution into a social system where species, individuals and races with the best-acquired traits would survive. A "survival of the fittest" theory known as Socialist Darwinism.
This thinking is evident in Martin Eden, as it is after Eden has gained fame through finally being published does Ruth and her family accepts him."

More papers on "Martin Eden":

• Book Review # 74733 : "Jack London's "Martin Eden"
• Book Review # 74736 : "Jack London's "Martin Eden"
• Book Review # 92554 : "'Martin Eden' by Jack London"

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