Martin Eden

Author: Jack London
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: A masterpiece by the renowned American writer Jack London, with autobiographical elements. The sailor Martin Eden accidentally meets Miss Ruth from the upper class and falls in love with her, while also becoming fascinated by the lifestyle and aesthetic tastes of her social circle. He then abandons his seafaring life, studying diligently and working hard at writing. He becomes a believer in Spencer's theory of evolution and Nietzsche's philosophy of the "übermensch." However, his submissions are repeatedly rejected, leaving him without a livelihood and facing various criticisms and setbacks. His love for Ruth becomes his spiritual pillar in enduring and overcoming all hardships. Yet his attitude toward life and his political views draw the displeasure of the bourgeois establishment, including Ruth's parents. Bound by class prejudice and succumbing to family pressure, Ruth breaks off her relationship with him. When Martin feels disheartened and decides to give up writing, fate intervenes—a large-scale debate erupts over his short story "The Shame of the Sun," and he achieves instant fame, with his manuscripts becoming highly sought after. Having achieved success and wealth, Martin is fawned over and flattered by those who once mocked and persecuted him, and Ruth also returns, hoping to rekindle their romance. He finds the hypocrisy and decadence of the upper class unbearable, yet returning to his past life means he is too spiritually disconnected from the common people. The disillusioned Martin seeks liberation through suicide.