The Iron Heel

The Iron Heel by Jack London is a dystopian novel that presents a chilling view of the future where an oppressive oligarchic government referred to as the Iron Heel rules the world with an iron fist. The story is framed as a historical manuscript written by a woman named Avis Everhard recounting the rise of the capitalist class and the eventual domination of society by a brutal and authoritarian regime. Through Avis’ perspective readers are introduced to the struggles of the working class and their efforts to resist the oppressive system.The novel explores themes of class struggle revolution and the corrupting power of wealth. As the Iron Heel consolidates its power the workers are pushed to the brink and a revolutionary movement begins to take shape. The Iron Heel serves as both a warning and a critique of unchecked capitalism offering a stark portrayal of a world in which the elite maintain control through violence and suppression. London’s portrayal of this dark future remains a significant work in the canon of social and political literature.