The People of the Abyss

"The People of the Abyss" by Jack London is a revealing look into the lives of London's poorest residents in the early 1900s. The story begins as London prepares to journey into the East End, wanting to see firsthand the terrible conditions people are living in, even though his friends warn him about the dangers. As he enters the slums, he paints a vivid picture of the hopelessness and poverty he finds, showing the constant struggles of people just trying to survive. He doesn't hold back in describing the misery he sees, especially the children and families desperately searching for food, creating a powerful statement about the need for change.