Jack London "South of the Slot"

I remember reading "To Build a Fire" in junior high and thinking that if I ever had to read anything my this Jack London fellow ever again I would simply refuse.  Then I saw that we were going to be reading one of his short stories, and an overwhelming sense of dread swept over me.  But I thought, hey, that was junior high.  Maybe my more sophisticated college self will appreciate the nuances of Jack London's writing.  As it turns out, I did.

In "South of the Slot", London brings up several issues.  He approaches the idea of class and wealth, and how that affects a man's character.  The duality of man and society is the overall theme of this work.  I thought it interesting how this theme could be translated to modern society.  Many people live their lives in search of something more exciting.  They feel as though they live their lives as passionless drones of society.  I believe that's how Freddie Drummond felt.  He didn't really stand for anything.  He was simply an academic, living much of his life in isolation.  

However, when he went south of the slot and became Bill Totts he finally stood for something.  He was no longer just a face in the crowd.  He was revered as a strong and passionate man.  Finally he had found a way to live his life for something, rather than just merely existing.  

Isn't this the ultimate goal in life?  To live your life for some purpose that is greater than yourself?  We don't all have to become some alternate personality to accomplish this.  Rather, we can simply find this passion and purpose in our own lives.  We can become that powerful leader that Bill Totts was, while still living our lives as Freddie Drummond.