THE HEATHEN BY JACK LONDON

Question:1: What's your understanding of the story The Heathen? Write this answer in your own words.

"The Heathen" is a short story by Jack London about two people, Charley and Otoo, who survive a shipwreck during a hurricane in the Pacific. They come from different backgrounds but form a close bond after the disaster. Charley, a pearl buyer, and Otoo, a Kanaka, cling to a hatch cover from the wreck and eventually wash ashore on an atoll, becoming the only survivors. Otoo saves Charley's life and they become inseparable companions for seventeen years. Despite their cultural differences, Otoo teaches Charley valuable lessons about life and morality. He encourages Charley to become a captain and start a family, helping him along the way. Their relationship ends tragically when Otoo sacrifices himself to save Charley from sharks. Through their friendship, Charley learns important lessons about friendship, fairness, and the value of life.

 Question:2:The learners are advised to read the original story and talk about the major scenes that take place in the story. 

INTRODUCTION OF THE AUTHOR :

Jack London was an American author, activist , novelist and journalist who lived from 1876 to 1916. He is best known for his adventurous novels and short stories, many of which are set in the wilderness of the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century. London's works often explore themes of survival, nature, and the struggles of the human spirit against harsh conditions. Some of his most famous works include "The Call of the Wild," "White Fang," and "To Build a Fire." London's own experiences as a sailor, gold prospector, and adventurer heavily influenced his writing, making him one of the most celebrated authors of his time.

INTRODUCTION OF THE STORY:

"The Heathen," a short story by Jack London, first saw the light of day in the pages of Everybody's Magazine in August 1910. Later, it found a permanent home in London's collection of stories, "The Strength of the Strong," published by Macmillan in 1914. This gripping tale transports readers to the Pacific Ocean, where the lives of two individuals, Charley and Otoo, intersect amidst the chaos of a shipwreck during a violent hurricane. As they navigate the challenges of survival and form an unlikely bond, London weaves a narrative rich in themes of resilience, friendship, and the universal human experience. Through vivid prose and unforgettable characters, "The Heathen" remains a timeless exploration of the enduring power of human connection in the face of adversity.

CHARACTERS:

Narrator: The protagonist of the story, a pearl buyer on the schooner.

Heathen: A character referred to by the captain, his identity becomes known later in the story.

Captain Oudouse: French captain of the Petite Jeanne.

Mate: Second-in-command on the schooner.

Supercargo: Person responsible for overseeing cargo operations on the schooner.

Polish Jew: One of the pearl buyers on the schooner.

Ah Choon: A Chinese pearl buyer known for his whiteness.

German: Another pearl buyer aboard the schooner.

Americans: Two pearl buyers from the United States.

Easter Islander: One of the crew members who dies from smallpox.

Raratonga Vahine: A woman who interacts with Ah Choon during the chaos on deck.

Kanaka Steersman: The native steersman of the schooner.

Various Deck Passengers: Paumotans, Tahitians, men, women, and children returning from the pearling season.

 Otoo: A wise and brave sailor from Bora Bora who becomes the main character's friend and mentor.

Captain Nagle: The captain of the ship Petite Jeanne, which gets caught in the hurricane.

M. Rosse: The captain of the French ship that rescues the main character and Otoo.

M. Jovis: A kind and generous man who helps the main character and Otoo get back on their feet after the shipwreck.

The Shark: The dangerous predator that attacks Otoo and leads to his sacrifice.

SCENES:

1. Setting sail: Passengers, including pearl buyers and native deck passengers, embark on the Petite Jeanne, which is overloaded with cargo such as pearl shell, copra, pigs, chickens, yams, and bananas.

2. Encounter in a Hurricane: The narrator meets the heathen during a hurricane aboard the schooner, where chaos ensues as winds intensify and waves batter the ship.

 "I remembered seeing the Petite Jeanne fly to pieces at what must have been the instant that my own consciousness was buffeted out of me."

3. Outbreak of Smallpox: A crew member dies from smallpox, leading to an outbreak among passengers. Some desert in a boat, leaving others stranded.

4. Deteriorating Conditions: Smallpox spreads rapidly, and remaining boats are scuttled, exacerbating the passengers' plight.

5. Survival Strategies: Passengers resort to drinking alcohol to prevent smallpox infection, but the whiskey supply runs out, leaving only two survivors among the pearl buyers.

6. Approaching Hurricane: The barometer drops significantly, signaling an approaching storm. Despite precautions, the captain fails to avoid the hurricane's path.

7. Impact of Hurricane: The ship is struck by the hurricane, resulting in chaos, destruction, and many passengers being swept overboard.

8. Struggle for Survival: The narrator finds himself in the water, struggling to survive alongside other survivors, including Otoo, a native of Bora Bora.

  "When I came to I was in the water, swimming automatically, though I was about two-thirds drowned."

9. Encounter with Eye of the Storm: Amidst the chaos, there is a sudden calm at the center of the hurricane, followed by a surge in waves, posing further challenges to survival.

10. Survival and Rescue: The narrator and Otoo endure hardship at sea for two days before being rescued by a French cruiser.

"Otoo and I lived with the natives of the atoll for a week, when we were rescued by the French cruiser and taken to Tahiti."

11. Bonding with Otoo: The narrator forms a close bond with Otoo, who becomes a mentor and friend, offering guidance and wisdom. 

"He was brother and father and mother as well."

12. Partnership and Business Ventures: The narrator and Otoo become partners in business, with Otoo providing valuable insights for successful ventures.

 "Concerning me, personally, he objected to my doing anything that was hurtful to me."

13. Sacrifice and Loss: Otoo sacrifices himself to save the narrator from a shark attack, leaving a lasting impact on the narrator's life.

 "By this time I was played out, and gave up hope. The schooner was still two hundred feet away. My face was in the water, and I was watching him manoeuvre for another attempt, when I saw a brown body pass between us. It was Otoo."

14. Final Farewell: Otoo bids a final farewell before being dragged underwater by the shark, leaving the narrator profoundly affected.

   "Then he was dragged under, and I was hauled aboard, where I fainted in the captain's arms."

QUESTION:3: CHARACTER SKETCH OF OTOO. 

Name: Otoo (pronounced o-to-o)

1. Physical Description:

 Otoo is described as a native of Bora Bora, standing nearly six feet tall and muscled like a gladiator. His skin, weathered by the sun and sea, bears the marks of a life lived close to nature. Despite his imposing physique, he exudes an aura of kindness and warmth, with eyes that sparkle with wisdom and laughter.

Otoo: "In the eyes of the island gods, strength is measured not by muscle but by the depth of one's spirit."

2. Personality Traits:

 Otoo is depicted as a man of few words but profound actions, displaying courage and selflessness in the face of adversity. His stoic demeanor belies a heart brimming with compassion and empathy. He possesses a gentle demeanor and a compassionate heart, yet harbors a fierce loyalty to those he cares about, willing to go to great lengths to protect and support them.

Charley: "Your silence speaks volumes, Otoo."

Otoo: "Words are but fleeting echoes; actions, everlasting echoes in the tapestry of life."

3. Relationship with Charley: 

Otoo's bond with Charley transcends mere friendship, evolving into a deep and enduring companionship built on mutual respect and understanding. Their friendship is forged through shared experiences and mutual trust, with each one complementing the other's strengths and weaknesses. He serves as a mentor and protector to Charley, guiding him through life's challenges with unwavering support and wisdom, always ready to offer a listening ear and a steady hand.

Otoo: "In the dance of fate, we are partners, bound by the rhythm of the tides and the melody of our souls."

4. Sense of Duty and Responsibility: 

Otoo takes his responsibilities seriously, whether it's safeguarding Charley's well-being or fulfilling his duties aboard ships. His sense of duty is rooted in a deep-seated respect for honor and integrity, driving him to act with courage and conviction in the face of adversity. He demonstrates keen intuition and foresight, anticipating potential dangers and taking proactive measures to mitigate risks, drawing from his years of experience at sea and his innate understanding of human nature.

Charley: "You have a knack for seeing what others overlook, Otoo."

Otoo: "The winds of destiny whisper their secrets to those who listen with an open heart."

5.Wisdom and Guidance:

 Otoo possesses a wealth of life experience and practical knowledge, which he willingly imparts to Charley through insightful advice and profound observations. His wisdom is tempered by humility, rooted in the belief that true understanding comes not from knowledge alone but from empathy and compassion. He serves as a source of wisdom and guidance, offering valuable perspectives on morality, human nature, and the pursuit of happiness, drawing from his own life experiences and the teachings of his ancestors.

Otoo: "In the tapestry of life, every thread has its purpose, every knot its lesson. Embrace the journey, my friend, for therein lies the true treasure."

6. Final Sacrifice:

 Otoo's ultimate act of bravery and selflessness occurs during a shark attack, where he sacrifices his own life to save Charley. His final moments are marked by a profound sense of love and devotion, as he bids farewell to Charley with words of affection and gratitude, leaving behind a legacy of courage and compassion that will endure long after his passing.

Otoo: "Farewell, my friend. In the embrace of eternity, we shall meet again, for love transcends the boundaries of time and space."

7. Symbol 

Through his actions and dialogues, Otoo emerges as a symbol of resilience, kindness, and wisdom, enriching the life of Charley and leaving a lasting legacy of love and friendship. The relationship between Otoo and the narrator symbolizes the power of friendship and transcends cultural and racial boundaries, demonstrating the universal bonds of humanity.