Jack London Analysis

In both accounts of their San Francisco Earthquakes authors Mark Twain and Jack London both describe the effect of nature on the entire population that has been touched by it’s destructive grasp. London focuses on the inevitable demise society's attempt to conquer nature with technological innovations and societal expansions. Twain targets the vulnerability of the human population in times of hardship and the impetuous decisions that come from this. London establishes a tone in his piece by explaining the disaster and destruction caused by the earthquake. Twain on the other hand establishes a very light hearted and almost funny tone in his piece. London begins his essay by accounting the complete and utter destruction of San Francisco

London however uses rhetorical devices to paint an image of just how destructive the earthquake was in the intense ruin of the city. Twain continues his use of a funny approach by using similes and personification to describe the citizens reactions and desperate attempts to evade the earthquake. Twain describes a man trapped in a car with that of “...squirming and screaming like an impaled madman.” or a woman running down the street in a towel that looked like “...a dressed turkey.” These comparisons help contribute to a very excited and funny atmosphere. London uss much fewer rhetorical devices to attack the earthquake and describe its wrong doings on the city. London explains how “the heart of the city was gone.” He emphasizes the massive damage dealt during the quake and as a result of it. London tells that humans were not capable of stopping the earthquake or any of the damage dealt by it. He uses juxtaposition to further his point by saying “...dynamite was lavishly used...” putting a concept only available in society next to a destructive and very violent force. London also points out that “all of the newspaper buildings were gone.” and “the entire business section was wiped out.” This highlights London’s focus on the need to succeed in the world and everything in society is driven by success. London is simply saying that the disaster has ruined San Francisco by ruining its success. Twain and London both take different approaches on the meaning of the earthquake and the impact it has on the city, Twain believes it can be seen as a funny thing and approaches it in such a way, while London is scared by the destruction and affect that the earthquake put on the