Introduction of Writer:
John Griffith Chaney better known as Jack London was an American novelist, journalist and activist. A pioneer of commercial fiction and American magazines, he was one of the first American authors to become an international celebrity and earn a large fortune from writing. He was also an innovator in the genre that would later become known as science fiction.
London was part of the radical literary group "The Crowd" in San Francisco and a passionate advocate of animal rights, workers’ rights and socialism. London wrote several works dealing with these topics, such as his dystopian novel The Iron Heel, his non-fiction expose The People of the Abyss, War of the Classes, and Before Adam.
His most famous works include The Call of the Wild and White Fang, both set in Alaska and the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush, as well as the short stories "To Build a Fire", "An Odyssey of the North", and "Love of Life". He also wrote about the South Pacific in stories such as "The Pearls of Parlay", and "The Heathen".
Title of Heathen
Americans long viewed the world as a realm of suffering Heathens whose lands and lives needed their intervention to flourish. The term “heathen” fell out of common use by the early 1900s, leading some to imagine that racial categories had replaced religious differences. But the ideas underlying the figure of the heathen did not disappear. Americans still treat large swaths of the world as “other” due to their assumed need for conversion to American ways.
The word heathen comes from the Greek word heath, which means "one who lives in the country or woods".
Today, heathen means “pagan” or “unbeliever,” or it is used to describe sinful or irreligious activity in general. Many times, people use the word heathen today to refer to the culture of a people, without regard to religion; the word has taken on the connotation of “barbaric” or “uncivilised.”
The Heathen first appeared in Everybody's Magazine in 1910, and then appeared again the following year when it was included in South Sea Tales (1911).
Title Significance:
The title "Heathen" holds significant meaning in the context of Jack London's short story. It refers to an individual who does not belong to a fixed class or community. In this narrative, Otoo is labelled as the heathen because he refuses to conform to the oppressor class on his island, Bora Bora. This term becomes symbolic of the societal norms and divisions that the story seeks to unravel and critique.
While reading this story we can clearly sense that the narrative pattern is the mixture of past and present. At the same time it is very difficult to go in a smooth way because there are many complications in understanding the hidden part. The narrator named Charley has directly dedicated this story to his mate cum friend Otoo, A Negro Man when the story begins; the narrator confesses his gratitude towards Otoo. Otoo meets him in a hurricane and in that hurricane he shares his hatch cover with Otoo to his greatness, Otoo dedicate whole life, even death, to Charley. This is how the story presents the voyages of these two characters as they have been living together for the last 17 years. Their relationship is based on their emotions rather than the mentality of master and slave.
The meaning of Heathen is the person who does not belong to any fixed or particular class and community and the story reveals that Otoo is considered to be the heathen because he does not belong to the oppressed class , his island called Bora bora.Thou he is from the African American class. The African people are suppressed by the Whites and The Blacks are dragged to their class. The struggle does not end here because after being a part of black Christians they are considered as the Slaves in this way, the story demonstrates the idea of Master – Slave relationship. The Whites believe that the blacks are born to be merely Slave and that is why they are forced to be African Christians and this custom Otoo remains different from them and thus he becomes the Heathen of that community.
Jack has indirectly even his views over how society creates justice to the people. If Otoo does not belong to his Christians community then society also does not belong to a religion named HUMANITY. Society is the main problem which does not lead their life’s the way they want to. The world contains only one religion which is as above and that is why society differs from those who genuinely care for humans.
No Doubt, This story also presents the theme of colour decimation as the two characters fit with set rules and regulation of society. It shows no humanity to those who are black or rather not capable of fitting into the form. He directly asks a question:
‘Who is the problem? Society or The Black?’
This is called society is made of the white Christians who try to over shadow the identity of the blacks by suppressing them or making them their servants.
Discussing Otoo nature or behaviour towards Charley he is a man of honesty which is superior to all. His friendship is deep and genning which does not contain any custom, Religion, Culture or Even a Colour because it is beyond all and interesting custom of one of the island and exchange of the name as Charley becomes Otoo and Otoo becomes Charley which clearly shows that if the people have no problem with Colour than why the society carries a problem in that Otoo, A person who owns life’s to Charley dedicates his soul to his master.
Summary:
The narrator, a pearl buyer named Charley, is a cabin passenger on a schooner, the Petite Jeanne, sailing from Rangiroa to Tahiti with a Kanaka crew, at the end of the pearling season in the Paumotas. The boat, having eighty-five deck passengers, is overloaded. Several passengers die of smallpox; Charley and the other cabin passengers drink whisky, until it runs out, in the belief that it will kill the smallpox at
germs.
The boat is in the direct path of a hurricane. "The second sea filled the Petite Jeanne's decks flush with the rails, and, as her stern sank down and her bow tossed skyward, all the miserable dunnage of life and luggage poured aft. It was a human torrent.... Out of all my experiences I could not have believed it possible for the wind to blow as it did.... It was a monstrous thing, and the most monstrous thing about it was that it increased and continued to increase."
The Petite Jeanne is destroyed in the hurricane, and Charley survives by clinging to a hatch cover from the boat, sharing it with a Kanaka named Otoo. Eventually Charley loses consciousness, and comes to on the beach of an atoll; Otoo has saved his life by pulling him from the water. They are the only survivors from the Petite Jeanne.
They exchange names. "In the South Seas such a ceremony binds two men closer together than blood-brothership." They part in Papeete and Otoo goes home to Bora Bora; but he returns, because his wife has died. He accompanies Charley for the next seventeen years, ensuring that he does not come to harm.
"Truly, he made me a better man. Yet he was not strait-laced. And he knew nothing of common Christian morality.... he was a heathen... a gross materialist who believed that when he died he was dead. He believed merely in fair play and square-dealing.... Otoo had my welfare always at heart. He thought ahead for me, weighed my plans and took a greater interest in them than I did myself."
Otoo advises Charley to become a captain of a schooner, in order to save enough to own a plantation. He does so; he marries and has children. Named Tom, Mary and Frank. Otoo helps to bring up the children on the plantation.
The relationship ends when Otoo is killed saving Charley from sharks on the coast of Savu. "And so passed Otoo, who saved me and made me a man, and who saved me in the end.
As my hand closed on the line I heard an exclamation from on board. I turned and looked. There was no sign of Otoo. The next instant he broke surface. Both hands were off at the wrist, the stumps spouting blood.
"Otoo!" he called softly. And I could see in his gaze the love that thrilled in his voice.
Then, and then only, at the very last of all our years, he called me by that name.
"Good-by, Otoo!" he called.
And so passed Otoo, who saved me and made me a man, and who saved me in the end. We met in the maw of a hurricane, and parted in the mouth of a shark, with seventeen intervening years of comradeship, the likes of which I dare to assert has never befallen two men, the one brown and the other white. If Jehovah be from His high place watching every sparrow fall, not least in His kingdom shall be Otoo, the one heathen of Bora Bora.
Charley (Narrator):
Charley is the storyteller and the narrator of the tale. He doesn't explicitly describe his physical appearance in the story, but his narrative voice reflects a thoughtful and reflective personality. His character is defined more by his experiences and through which he views the world. Charley is grateful and introspective. His gratitude is directed towards Otoo for the profound impact their friendship had on his life. He seems observant, as he provides insight into societal injustices and discrimination through his narrative. Charley is open-minded and willing to challenge societal norms.
As the narrator, Charley is the person through which readers perceive the events of the story. His perspective helps convey the depth of the bond between him and Otoo and highlights the societal issues prevalent in the narrative. Charley's friendship with Otoo is a central aspect of the story. Their connection transcends societal divisions, emphasising honesty and a lack of concern for differences. Charley's gratitude towards Otoo shapes the narrative's emotional core.
Otoo:
Otoo is a Negro man labeled as a heathen. His physical appearance is not extensively detailed in the story, but his character is defined by his resistance against societal norms and oppression. Otoo embodies resistance and strength. He stands against societal expectations and discrimination, showcasing honesty and integrity. His lack of concern for societal divisions reflects a genuine and humane character. Despite being labelled a heathen, Otoo's beliefs centre around fairness and square dealing. Otoo serves as a central character, representing resistance against societal injustices. His friendship with Charley is pivotal in conveying the story's themes. Otoo's actions and beliefs challenge the norms of the society portrayed in the narrative.
Otoo profoundly influences Charley's life. He becomes a guiding force, advising Charley on life decisions and ensuring his well-being. Otoo's sacrifices and commitment leave a lasting impression on Charley, transforming him into a better person. Otoo symbolises the potential for genuine human connections beyond societal divisions. His character challenges stereotypes and prejudices, becoming a beacon of humanity in a society of discrimination.
Themes
Adventures:
The narrative highlights the characters' ability to face and overcome challenges, such as smallpox, a destructive hurricane, and the threat of sharks. It explores how Charley and Otoo show remarkable strength and resilience in navigating through tough situations, emphasising the human spirit's capacity to endure and triumph. Charley's journey becomes a metaphor for life's continual evolution. From being a passenger on the Petite Jeanne to becoming a captain, husband, and father, Charley undergoes significant transformation. The theme underscores the idea that life is a journey marked by growth, change, and the influence of significant relationships.
Friendship:
The central theme revolves around the enduring bond between Charley and Otoo. Their friendship, forged in the crucible of shared struggles and survival, goes beyond societal norms. The narrative explores the depth of their connection, from the symbolic exchange of names to the lifelong commitment to each other's well-being. The story challenges societal norms, particularly regarding cultural differences and expectations. Otoo, labelled a heathen, defies stereotypes to become a true friend to Charley. This theme delves into the idea that genuine friendship can transcend societal prejudices, emphasising the importance of looking beyond surface differences. The narrative suggests that genuine friendship can bridge societal divisions, questioning the validity of prejudices based on race, culture, or belief systems.
Guidance and Sacrifice:
Otoo assumes the roles of a guide and mentor, offering valuable advice that shapes Charley's life. The narrative explores the theme of mentorship and how individuals can influence each other positively. Additionally, the ultimate sacrifice made by Otoo, giving his life to save Charley, becomes a powerful symbol of selflessness and the depth of their friendship. The theme of guidance and mentorship highlights the transformative influence that one individual can have on another, shaping their destiny and contributing to personal growth.
Otoo's ultimate sacrifice serves as a climax in the narrative. The theme of individual sacrifice for the sake of others underscores the depth of Otoo's commitment to Charley. This act becomes a powerful symbol of selflessness and the profound lengths to which true friendship can extend
Nature's Dual Role:
Nature is portrayed as both a forbidding force and a backdrop for meaningful connections. The destructive elements of the storm, smallpox, and sharks represent nature's challenges, while the sea becomes a symbol of the friendship between Charley and Otoo. This theme reflects on the dual nature of the natural world, highlighting its capacity for both adversity and beauty. The story says that nature can be really tough, like storms and sickness, but it can also be beautiful. It's about how we need to understand and respect nature.
Symbols:
The Exchange of Names:
The ceremony of exchanging names between Charley and Otoo holds profound symbolic significance. In the South Seas culture in the narrative, this act is portrayed as binding two individuals closer together than blood-brothership. The exchange of names goes beyond a mere formality; it represents a deep and lasting commitment, a pledge of mutual trust, and a recognition of the profound connection between the characters.
The exchange of names symbolises the forging of a powerful bond that transcends societal norms and expectations. In a world where individuals are often defined by labels and stereotypes, the act of sharing names becomes a declaration of equality and genuine friendship. It signifies a mutual understanding and acceptance that goes beyond cultural differences and societal divisions. The names exchanged become a symbol of identity, unity, and the enduring nature of their connection.
The Hatch Cover:
The hatch cover from the Petite Jeanne becomes a powerful symbol of survival, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. It represents the physical object that Charley and Otoo cling to during the storm, ensuring their survival. Beyond its literal function, the hatch cover becomes a metaphor for the support and strength derived from their friendship.
The hatch cover not only serves as a means of physical survival but also encapsulates the emotional and psychological refuge that friendship provides. It symbolises the shared struggle, the protection offered by genuine companionship, and the hope that keeps them afloat even in the face of adversity. As a tangible reminder of their joint survival, the hatch cover becomes a cherished symbol of the enduring connection between Charley and Otoo.
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