The Heathen

"The Heathen" is a short story by the American writer Jack London. It follows two people from different cultural and racial backgrounds who are the only ones left after their ship has encountered a storm in the Pacific. What kind of friendship emerges between them uncovers later in the story.

Jack London (1876-1916) was a prolific American author, journalist, and social activist, whose body of work has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Born John Griffith Chaney in San Francisco, California, London's early life was fraught with poverty, which deeply influenced his perspective and writings. He is best known for his adventure novels set in the unforgiving natural world, which reflect his own experiences and socialist beliefs. 'The Heathen,' a lesser-known but powerful tale, epitomizes London's skill at portraying complex, multi-dimensional characters and his fascination with themes of survival, companionship, and the clash of civilizations. His vivid storytelling and exploration of humanity's instinctive resilience are masterfully depicted in classics such as 'The Call of the Wild' (1903), 'White Fang' (1906), and 'The Sea-Wolf' (1904). Inspired by his time as an oyster pirate, a gold prospector in the Klondike, and a correspondent in the Russo-Japanese War, London's works often contain semi-autobiographical elements, intertwining his adventures with his progressive political ideals. His literary style is characterized by a blend of Naturalism and romanticism, and his stories frequently delve into topics of nature, determinism, and individualism. Despite his untimely death at the age of 40, London's legacy as a pioneering figure in American literature is unmistakable, as his works continue to capture the imaginations of readers worldwide.