Quotes and Meaning
What does Ruth symbolize?
Social ideals and conformity
Who wrote the novel?!
Jack London
What theme is about rising in society?
Social mobility
What is Martin’s job at the start?!
Sailor
Who is the protagonist?
Martin Iden
Martin believes success will bring happiness—what does he learn instead?!
It brings emptiness
What country is the novel set in?!
United States
What theme shows belief in self-reliance?
Individualism
What does Martin want to become?!
A writer
Who is Martin’s Iden love interest?
Ruth Morse
What does Martin lose as he gains success?
His sense of purpose
The novel is partly autobiographical—whose life does it reflect?!
Jack London
What theme explores rich and poor?
Class struggle
Why does Martin educate himself?
To improve himself and impress Ruth
What is Ruth’s social class?!
Middle/upper class
Why does society finally accept Martin?
Because he became a famous
What literary movement influenced the novel?!
Realism/Naturalism
What theme shows the emptiness of success?
Disillusionment
What problem does Martin face early on?
Poverty
What kind of person is Ruth?!
Educated,conservative
What is ironic about Martin’s success?!
People value him only after recognition
What does London critisize through Martin’s story?!
Society’s superficial values
What theme criticises society’s values?!
Materialism
What happens after Martin becomes famous?
He feels empty
What type of people does Martin come from?
Working class