Show:
Background
Childhood
Young Jack London
JL Begins Writing
100
What is the biological birth name of Jack London?
John Griffith Chaney
100
Jack took on the surname LONDON from his stepfather John. John was a widower who already had several children. He was a loving and kind parent to young Jack. How many children did John London have before he married Flora Wellman?
Eleven.
100
Jack London went to work before he was 10 years old to support his family. He had paper routes, worked in a bowling alley, and worked in the farm. What age did Jack London quit school?
14 years old.
100
Jack worked on a sealing schooner known as Sophia Sutherland which encountered a monstrous typhoon of the coast of Japan. The ship was in danger of going down and all men on board fought to save her. What did Jack do to help save Sophia Sutherland?
He took his turn on the wheel. [This experience in the storm appeared in 4 of Jack's future literary works.]
200
FILL IN THE BLANK. Jack's parents were never married. William Chaney, Jack's dad, claimed to have been a professor and he made his living as an _________________.
Astrologer.
200
Flora (Wellman) London was always physically and emotionally fragile. When Jack was born she decided to send him to live with Jennie Prentiss, an African-American woman who had lost her own baby the day Jack was born. Jennie and Jack's older stepsister raised him. What is the name of Jack's older stepsister?
Eliza London [she was 8 years old.]
200
Before Jack quit school in his early teen years, he was introduced to books and poetry by a librarian who knew prominent writers at that time. Who were the famous acquaintances of that librarian?
Bret Harte and Mark Twain
200
Jack did not stick at sealing for long. He came back home and found his family in financial straits so he went back to regular work in a mill. What made Jack decide to return home?
Jack had a serious illness.
300
FILL IN THE BLANK. Flora Wellman, Jack's mother, had come from a well-to-do family in Massillon, Ohio. William Chaney was born in a family of poor, yet respectable, farmers. Both of them lost a parent at a young age. As a couple, they had a Bohemian lifestyle, practiced "free love" and were involved in the _________________ movement.
Spiritualist
300
John London was a farmer and a good provider. Flora was ambitious for him and urged him to expand his business. They lived in rural areas when Jack was young where he had very few playmates. To unwind after a long hard day, where would John take Jack?
To the Bar [where he was exposed early to rough working-class men.]
300
It was not the norm to go to college during Jack's time. Although his family wanted him to stay at school, he had other plans. He worked in a cannery, jute mill, laundry, and power station before he was 14 years of age. Finally, he decided to be an oyster "pirate". Who lent Jack London $300 so he could buy a boat?
Jennie Prentiss. [The woman who raised him and was a great mother-figure for Jack.]
300
Jack met a girl that he became serious with but their relationship did not progress. Jack's mom was ambitious for him so he encouraged him to write a story for a local newspaper contest. Jack won first prize at that contest at 17 years old- competing against thousands, college students, and with little formal education. What story did Jack write about?
His story with Sophia Sutherland and the storm he survived. [He only had 2 days to polish his work and still won.]
400
What did William Chaney do when he found out that Flora Wellman was pregnant?
He deserted her.
400
As the years passed, the London's moved from rural areas to a ranch near Livermore, California. Flora invested much of their money in get-rich-quick schemes that were always a bust. They had to give up the ranch due to their loses. What habit did Flora have that also caused the London's misfortune?
Gambling.
400
At age 15, Jack was an oyster "pirate", illegally fishing the waters of Oakland. Out on the ocean Jack became infatuated with a girl his own age. What did the girl's uncle do to Jack that made him end his relationship with her?
The uncle threatened Jack's life [which he barely escaped with.]
400
Jack worked in a power station where his labor was exploited- which kindled his interest in Socialism. Jack joined a march on Washington which was formed to press for reform. Jack was arrested and was in jail in Niagra Falls, NY for a month. What was Jack arrested for?
Vagrancy.
500
Flora Wellman was known to suffer from emotional instability but fortunately for Jack, 8 months after his birth, she married an older man who then turned out to be a good role model for him. Who is Jack's stepfather?
John London.
500
From California, the London's moved to Oakland. Flora lost their remaining money by investing it in a boarding house. The London's were not poverty stricken but everyone helped out to keep their heads above the water. While Jack London was in school, what did he do to help?
Jack had several jobs.
500
Jack had many adventures during his teenage years and may have had a wide reckless streak. At age 16, he almost died from alcohol poisoning which made him take life more seriously. He went to sea on a schooner that had a shady reputation of smuggling and kidnapping natives to sell to other tribes. After which he became an able seaman and headed off to Japan and Bering Sea to hunt for which kind of large animal?
Seals.
500
Jack decided it was time to go back to high school and get his diploma. He then applied and was accepted to the University of California. He left after one semester when he ran out of money. He went to Canada for an adventure. What great historical event did Jack London participate in?
The Gold Rush.