Pandemic Motives in Jack London’s Works

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is profoundly affecting life around the globe. Isolation, contact restrictions and economic shutdown impose a complete change to the psychosocial environment in affected countries. We have all been affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of the pandemic and its consequences are felt differently depending on our status as individuals and as members of society. While some try to adapt to working online, homeschooling their children and ordering food, others have no choice but to be exposed to the virus while keeping society functioning. Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and journalist and author of classic novels including “The Call of the Wild” (1903), “White Fang” (1906) and “Martin Eden” (1909). He was also an active member of the Socialist Party of America, and his works often contained explicit critiques against capitalism and war. Numerous stories London wrote would today be classified as science fiction, and some had pandemics and infectious diseases as subjects.