1. Jack London

2. John Griffith London (1876-1916)
born in San Francisco
unmarried mother of wealthy background
Father may have been William Chaney, an astrologer
Because Flora was ill, Jack was raised through infancy by an ex-slave, Virginia Prentiss
Late in 1876, Flora married John London, a partially disabled Civil War veteran

3. Adopted the name of Jack
Grew up in harsh poverty in the slums of San Francisco
Survived on his wits and physical strength
Became an avid reader
Developed an appetite for learning
Got into college
Spending the winter of 1897 in the Yukon provided the metaphorical gold for his first stories.
London's great love became agriculture, and he often stated he wrote to support his Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen, California

4. Jack London on a water wagon at the ranch

5. London's first marriage (1900) was to Bess Maddern, with whom he had two daughters, Joan and Bess. In 1905 he married his "Mate Woman," Charmain, who became the persona for many of his female characters and who avidly joined him on his many travel ventures.
Often troubled by physical ailments, during his thirties London developed kidney disease of unknown origin. He died of renal failure on
November 22,
1916 on the
ranch.

6. Portrait of
Jack and Charmain
London in South Seas,
1908

7. Jack London on board ship

8. Jack London in “The Klondike”

9. The “Snark”
Hilo Harbor,
Hawaii

10. Jack London and horse at Beauty Ranch, Glen Ellen a few weeks before the author’s death

11. What are some potential mistakes?
Answer these:
What is the best way to succeed in a feat that takes extraordinary courage and determination?
What are some potential mistakes?

12. Think of examples or interpretations for the following themes…
To Build a Fire
by Jack London
Think of examples or interpretations for the following themes…

13. Themes… Confidence without knowledge and skill is based on foolishness.

14. A person must be aware of both the things in life and their meaning.

15. The forces of nature can easily overpower the frail human body.

16. A person’s imagination is vital to his or her survival.

17. Animal instinct can be superior to human instinct.

18. Setting the Stage
dog, hot drink, gun,
face protector, axe,
heavy blanket, signal flare,
matchbook, warm food
extra pair of mittens,
extra pair of socks
How would you fare facing freezing cold weather with only these things for survival?

19. Setting of the story