LibriVox
LibriVox
Chapter 36
Chapter 36
Chapter 36
Thursday 1st January 1970
Jack London's Chapter 36 offers a raw look at his battle with alcoholism, questioning civilization's role in addiction. Listen now.
23 minutes
Thought-provoking
Raw
Honest
Informative
Engaging
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LibriVox
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Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
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Get the buttons here!Jack London's Haunting Reflection on Addiction in Chapter 36
I am aware that within the disintegrating body which has been dying since I was born, I carry a skeleton that, under the rind of flesh which is called my face is a bony, noseless death's head.
Jack London’s Chapter 36 of 'John Barleycorn' is a raw, unflinching look at his battle with alcoholism. Through the persona of John Barleycorn, London doesn’t just recount his personal struggles; he questions the very fabric of rational civilization and its role in addiction. This episode takes you deep into London’s psyche as he grapples with the demons and gods of his alcohol-fueled life.
He vividly describes his addiction as a skeleton within his disintegrating body, making you ponder the true cost of excess and indulgence. The chapter ends with a poignant question: 'Would you then shut the books and exchange places with this thing that is only an appetite and a desire, a marionette of the belly and the loins?' It's a chilling reflection on mortality and human existence that still resonates today.
Whether you're on your own journey to sobriety or supporting someone who is, this episode offers timeless insights into the human condition and the haunting grip of addiction.