The Heathen by Jack London
The Heathen by Jack London
This blog task is assigned by Prof. Vipul Dabhi Sir. Click here to see the teacher's blog.
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Q.-1.| What's your understanding of the story The Heathen? Write this answer in your own words.
Answer:
"The Heathen" is a tale about a man named Charley, who's a pearl buyer.
He's on a boat called the Petite Jeanne, sailing from Rangiroa to Tahiti
with a crew from Kanaka. There are too many passengers, and some get sick
with smallpox. Charley and others drink whisky, thinking it will help
against the disease.
Then, a big hurricane hits. The boat gets wrecked, but Charley survives by
holding onto a hatch cover with a guy named Otoo. They end up on an atoll
beach. Otoo saves Charley's life and they become close friends.
They part ways but Otoo returns later because his wife dies. Otoo helps
Charley for seventeen years, always looking out for him.
Even though Otoo is a heathen, meaning he doesn't follow Christian beliefs,
he's a good guy. He helps Charley become a better person and succeed in
life.
Otoo advises Charley to become a captain and later own a plantation, which
he does. They part when Otoo dies saving Charley from sharks.
In the end, Charley realizes how much Otoo meant to him and how he shaped
his life for the better.
Q.-2.| The learners are advised to read the original story and talk about the major scenes that take place in the story.
Answer:
Major Scenes in "The Heathen" by Jack London
1. Setting Sail:
Charley, the narrator, boards the Petite Jeanne, a
schooner sailing from Rangiroa to Tahiti. The boat is overcrowded with
passengers, and several are afflicted with smallpox. Charley and others
believe drinking whisky will protect them.
Moral:
Desperation can lead people to grasp at ineffective solutions
in the face of danger.
2. Encounter with a Hurricane:
The Petite Jeanne faces a devastating
hurricane. Charley describes the terrifying power of the storm and the chaos
it brings to the ship. He survives by clinging to a hatch cover with a
crewmate named Otoo.
Moral:
Nature's fury is unpredictable and overwhelming, highlighting
human vulnerability.
3. Bonding with Otoo:
Charley and Otoo form a deep bond during their
struggle to survive. They exchange names in a ritual that signifies a
profound connection. Otoo saves Charley's life, pulling him from the water
and ensuring their survival.
Moral:
Shared adversity can forge strong bonds between people,
transcending cultural differences.
4. Otoo's Influence:
Despite being a "heathen" with different
beliefs, Otoo becomes a guiding force in Charley's life. He embodies values
of fairness, loyalty, and practicality. Otoo advises Charley on career
choices and looks out for his well-being.
Moral:
Goodness and wisdom can be found in unexpected places,
transcending cultural and religious boundaries.
5. Building a Life Together:
Charley follows Otoo's advice, becoming
a schooner captain and eventually owning a plantation. Otoo remains a
steadfast companion, helping raise Charley's children and ensuring his
success.
Moral:
True friendship involves supporting each other's dreams and
sharing life's joys and challenges.
6. Tragic End:
Otoo's life ends heroically as he sacrifices himself
to save Charley from sharks. His death marks the conclusion of their
remarkable friendship and leaves Charley deeply grateful for Otoo's
influence on his life.
Moral:
Acts of selflessness and courage leave a lasting impact,
enriching the lives of those around us.
In "The Heathen," Jack London masterfully portrays the transformative power
of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of
adversity. Through the bond between Charley and Otoo, the story celebrates
the universal values of loyalty, compassion, and the pursuit of a meaningful
life.
