Keywords
Abstract
This article analyzes Martin Eden by Jack London as a story about ambition, individualism, and the struggle for social recognition. The novel follows a working-class sailor who educates himself and tries to achieve literary success, showing both the possibilities and limits of self-made progress. Through close reading, the study highlights how Martin’s journey illustrates the psychological effects of extreme individualism and the tension between personal growth and societal acceptance. While the story is partly autobiographical, it also critiques rigid class structures and the illusions of meritocracy. The analysis shows that the novel remains relevant today, as it raises questions about ambition, identity, and the real costs of success.
References
1. London, J. (1909). Martin Eden. New York: Macmillan.
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