Martin Eden

A semi-autobiographical novel, which Jack London wrote at the age of 33 at the height of his literary career.The story follows life of Marin Eden, an intelligent young man who becomes a writer through an intense and passionate pursuit of self-education in order to gain acceptance and the respectability of his society-girl sweetheart. Ruth spurns Eden when his writing is rejected initially and later tries to win his heart when he achieves fame. Was Eden’s quest for bourgeois respectability hollow?