Before Adam

Jack London 지음

문학일독 2024년 12월 24일 출간

작품소개

책소개

Jack London's Before Adam is a novel written in the early 20th century that explores themes of evolution and ancestral memory through the perspective of a unique narrator who vividly dreams of prehistoric life. The story delves into the instinctual existence and primal fears of early humanity.
The novel begins with the protagonist, Big-Tooth, reflecting on his childhood experiences. Through his dreams, he is transported back to the Mid-Pleistocene epoch, where he lives among his primitive ancestors, facing fear and adventure. His dreams are filled with profound terror and a longing for connection, setting him apart from others. He feels a strong disconnection between the dream world, populated by beings of a distant past, and his waking life.
Through Big-Tooth’s memories, we meet characters such as his friend Lop-Ear and the menacing Red-Eye, whose violent presence contrasts sharply with the camaraderie of the horde. Big-Tooth recounts his experiences of fear, discovery of nature, and the instinctual behaviors that define his existence. The narrative offers a vivid exploration of the struggles and instincts of early humanity, bringing the life of prehistoric times to readers in an immersive and thought-provoking way.

목차

CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XVII.
CHAPTER XVIII.

작가정보

저자(글) Jack London

Jack London was an American author born in 1876 and died in 1916. He is a prominent figure in naturalist literature, and his works explore the themes of survival and struggle, examining the relationship between humans and nature. London's notable works include "The Son of the Wolf," "The Call of the Wild," and "Martin Eden." He wrote many adventure novels based on his experiences sailing across Alaska and the Pacific. London was also a socialist, reflecting his views on class conflict and social justice in his writings. Despite his short life, he was a prolific writer, leaving behind numerous short stories, novels, and essays. Jack London holds a significant place in early 20th-century American literature.