American Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Development ISSN Online: 2771-8948 Website: www.ajird.journalspark.org Volume 28, May - 2024 193 | P a g e WRITERS CRITICIZED BY JACK LONDON Azam Allanazarovich Pardayev Termiz State University Forien Filology Faculty E mail: azam.pardaev80@gmail.com Abstract Jack London, a prominent American author, was known not only for his literary contributions but also for his candid critiques of other writers. In his essays and letters, London expressed sharp opinions about various authors of his time, often highlighting what he perceived as shortcomings in their work. This abstract delves into London's criticisms of fellow writers, examining his views on their styles, themes, and overall literary merit. By analyzing London's critiques, we gain insights into his own literary preferences and the broader literary landscape of the early 20th century. This study seeks to understand the impact of London's criticisms on the writers in question and their reception within the literary community. Through this lens, we explore how London's views contributed to the ongoing discourse on literature and artistic expression during his era. Keywords: Jack London, Sentimentality, Lack of Authenticity, Artistic Integrity, Social and Political Stance, Style and Craft. Introduction Jack London, the renowned American author best known for works like "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang," was known for his strong opinions and sometimes controversial statements about other writers. One notable example is London's criticism of Upton Sinclair, particularly aimed at Sinclair's novel "The Jungle." London took issue with what he perceived as Sinclair's socialist agenda overshadowing the artistic quality of the work. London's criticism wasn't solely limited to literary circles; he also had political views that he vocalized. Jack London was a fascinating figure—a prolific writer whose life was as adventurous as his stories. Born in 1876 in San Francisco, London had a turbulent upbringing, facing poverty and working-class struggles. Despite limited formal education, he developed a deep love for reading and writing.London's life experiences heavily influenced his writing. He ventured into the Klondike during the Gold Rush, an experience that inspired his famous works like "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang." His stories often depicted themes of survival, nature's power, and the struggle for existence.Aside from his adventure tales, London was a committed socialist and advocate for workers' rights, evident in works like "The Iron Heel" and "Martin Eden." His writing reflected his belief in social change and economic equality.Jack London's life tragically ended in 1916 at the age of 40, but his legacy lives on American Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Development ISSN Online: 2771-8948 Website: www.ajird.journalspark.org Volume 28, May - 2024 194 | P a g e in his impactful literature and his adventurous spirit. His books continue to inspire readers with their vivid portrayal of nature, survival, and the human condition.The family became increasingly poor, and John took an early step towards independent life. From a young age, he tried many professions: selling newspapers, working as a coal miner, delivering ice to squash courts, working on a kegelban (a bowling alley, similar to a bowling alley), and selling oysters in restricted areas. As soon as he graduated from school, the 14-year-old entered a canning factory as a worker. But the long working day took a heavy toll on him. John leaves the factory impatiently. In the Straits of California, an oyster fisherman became an "oyster pirate" as it was called and started working. Although this occupation brought good income, there was a risk of imprisonment. But like many young men, he dreamed of a sea adventure. The romance of "wild and free" port life captures the young man's imagination, and he is hired as a sailor on a catfishing ship off the coast of Japan and the Bering Sea. He starts writing by accident. With her mother's advice, she takes part in a competition organized by one of the local newspapers and unexpectedly wins the first place. The essay "Typhoon on the coast of Japan" is published in the city newspaper. After that, he crosses the whole America in search of income and goes to the capital. But when he says that he has reached Washington, the future writer is accused of vagrancy, imprisoned and sent back to his hometown. London later described his wanderings in the book of essays The Road (1907) and the novel Martin Eden (1909). Jack London, the prolific American author known for his adventure stories and social commentary, was himself a sharp critic of other writers. He often expressed strong opinions about his contemporaries and predecessors, sometimes praising them but more often offering scathing critiques. Some of the writers he criticized include: • Henry James: London famously dismissed James' work as overly complex and lacking in vitality. He preferred writing that was more direct and action-oriented, which was a stark contrast to James' dense, psychological prose. • Stephen Crane: Although London respected Crane's talent, he criticized him for being too pessimistic and detached in his writing. London believed that literature should inspire and uplift, qualities he found lacking in Crane's work. • Frank Norris: Despite being friends, London and Norris had differing views on naturalism in literature. London felt that Norris' portrayal of social determinism was too deterministic and did not adequately address individual agency. • Joseph Conrad: While London admired Conrad's skill as a writer, he was critical of what he perceived as Conrad's bleak view of humanity. London believed that writers should strive to present a more hopeful and optimistic vision of life. Jack London's critiques often reflected his own values and priorities as a writer. He valued action, realism, and a sense of adventure in literature, and he was not shy about expressing his opinions on the work of his peers, even if it meant engaging in spirited debate or controversy. American Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Development ISSN Online: 2771-8948 Website: www.ajird.journalspark.org Volume 28, May - 2024 195 | P a g e London had many careers in his youth. In 1893, he first went on a sea trip to the coast of Japan as an ordinary sailor. In 1894, he took part in the migration of the unemployed to Washington, was imprisoned for his lifestyle, and joined political movements. In 1895, he joined the Labor Party of the United States, and in 1901, he joined the Socialist Party. He later enrolled at the University of California and dropped out soon after.Londonning ijodida Gerbert Spenser, Fridrix Nitsshe falsafiy taʼlimotlarining taʼsiri seziladi. „Martin Eden“ roman-biografiyasida bosh qahramonning paymonasi toʻlgan chogʻda ham „yashashga ishtiyoqi“ni aks ettirgan. Uning individualizm taʼsirida yozilgan mazkur romanida gʻarbcha „barkamol inson“, yaʼni „superman“ nazariyasi ham ilgari surilgan. The influence of the philosophical teachings of Herbert Spencer and Friedrich Nietzsche can be felt in London's work. In the novel-biography "Martin Eden", the main character reflected his "lust for life" even when he was full of money. In his novel written under the influence of individualism, the western theory of "perfect man", i.e. "superman" is put forward. During his 16-year career, London created 19 novels, 18 collections (152 stories), 3 plays, 8 autobiographical and journalistic books. "Love for Life" (1961), "About Winter" (1962), "Martin Eden" (1968) and other works were translated into Uzbek. Jack London, the renowned author of works like "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang," was known for his strong opinions on various subjects, including other writers. He was quite vocal in his criticism of certain literary figures. One prominent example is London's criticism of H.G. Wells, whom he felt had overly utopian views and lacked a realistic understanding of human nature. London also took issue with the writing style of Edgar Rice Burroughs, particularly in his Tarzan series, which London found simplistic and lacking depth.London's critiques were often rooted in his own socialist beliefs and a desire for literature to reflect a more gritty, realistic portrayal of life. He valued authenticity and a deep engagement with social and political issues in literature. While his criticisms were sometimes harsh, they reflected his passionate commitment to literature that spoke to the human condition in a profound way. Ultimately, London's views contributed to the ongoing dialogue within the literary world about the purpose and direction of literature. References 1. "OʻzME", Birinchi jild, Toshkent. 2001. 2. Swift, John N. „Jack Londonʼs ‘The Unparalleled Invasionʼ: Germ Warfare, Eugenics, and Cultural Hygiene.“ American Literary Realism, vol. 35, no. 1, 2002, pp. 59-71. 3. https://uz.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_London#cite_ref-EB_2-1.