In a Far Country

Choose one of the following questions relating to Jack London's "In a Far Country" and respond to it in the blog. 

 1. What makes Sloper more, or less, of a “man” than Carter and Percy in the beginning of the story?
2. What connotations does the word “sugar” have and how does its presence in the story enhance “In a Far Country’s” deeper meaning?
3. How does the wind-vane serve as a metaphor for Carter and Percy’s fates?

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  1. Anônimo2 de outubro de 2017 às 16:00

    Sloper's untamed spirit makes him more of a “man” than Carter and Percy in the beginning of Jack London’s “In a Far Country” in spite of his inherent physical shortcomings. Although Sloper is described as “Yellow and weak”, less than 90 pounds in weight, and in declining health; he is undoubtedly the fiercest member of the expedition. Sloper’s ability to brave the hardship of the trek, in direct contrast to the physically superior Carter and Percy, is innate and is directly attributed to his race: “ He was the incarnation of the unrest of his race, and the old Teutonic stubbornness, dashed with the quick grasp and action of the Yankee, held the flesh in the bondage of the spirit.” (195) Through this passage, London establishes Sloper’s role as a hybrid of the myth of the Noble Savage. He possesses the wisdom of the European Americans while retaining the pure, rebellious nature of the indigenous Native Americans. This powerful combination lends itself to Sloper’s role as a savvy outdoorsman and leader. Carter and Percy, alternatively, are completely lacking in manhood; lifetimes spent in American society have stripped them of the primitiveness and fearlessness that characterize Sloper. Although one might say by even daring to venture North, Carter and Percy prove their manhood, but their motivations suggest otherwise. Percy is a dangerously sentimental person, tricking himself into believing he is enchanted by anything more than the idea of an expedition. Carter is not much better, leaving his wife in search of an escape from his unsatisfying life as a clerk. Ultimately, Carter and Percy forfeit their claims to manhood when they decide to stay back at the cabin and Sloper leads the remaining members of the group forward.

    -Shrenik

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