John Barleycorn

"John Barleycorn" by Jack London is a story based on the author's own life and his struggles with alcohol. Starting in the early 1900s, the story shows how alcohol can be both a friend and an enemy, with the author using memories to talk about being addicted, how society views alcohol, and the good and bad sides of getting drunk. London shares moments from his past, like when he's thinking on election day after drinking and talking with Charmian, explaining how alcohol, which he calls "John Barleycorn," shows him life's hard truths but also makes him feel hopeless. He recalls childhood experiences of trying beer and teenage times of drinking with friends, showing how accepting drinking affected his decisions. The beginning is an introduction into the interesting but dangerous effects that alcohol has on him throughout different times in his life, when he continues to return to heavy drinking.