Teaching Jack London's "The Law of Life" in American literature courses

Law of Life

Jack London's "The Law of Life" needs to be applied to a sophomore American literature course for three reasons - London's details are rich elements of good writing, the story gives a glimpse into a Native American lifestyle that is long passed, and it forces the reader to confront their own fears of death and the unknown.

Jack London is a fine writer, and this is one of his lesser-known but representative works on the Arctic and the lives of the people who live there. He fills the story with rich details of Native American life, such as the custom of leaving the old and infirm behind to die, so they do not weigh down the entire tribe. Studying London's writing is important for students, because it illustrates how to use vivid details and descriptions as part of a memorable story.

The story also illustrates London's understanding of the Native Americans in the Arctic - how they live and how they die. This is a glimpse into the past, and it shows students how difficult life was in the frozen north, and how the Natives' lifestyle took advantage of every opportunity to survive in the cold and difficult conditions. It also shows how the Natives did not fear their fate.