Martin Eden

Arguably one of Jack London's most determined characters, Martin Eden's obsessive desire to not only write but to be published is unsurpassed in contemporary literature. Falling in love out of his own class, Martin Eden pursues a career as a young writer to win the affections of Ruth Morse. A social blot onto the upper-class Morse household, Martin Eden strives to gain the class distinction he desires and by that the affections of his love - Ruth Morse. But when his efforts have produced little or no result, Ruth's mother, the matriarch of the powerful Morse industries destroys the young love and Martin Eden in the process. He is seen as crude and unrefined, but when a book sells, then another and another, Martin Eden is now the prized catch of any social gathering. Sending Ruth back now to recapture their engagement, Martin is now disillusioned by his misplaced love and his efforts to have pursued it.