# IX explained — Martin Eden

> Chapter companion for Martin Eden by Jack London.

## What happens

Martin returns from an eight-month treasure-hunting voyage, having spent the time studying grammar, vocabulary, and Shakespeare. He resolves to become a writer to win Ruth, and upon arriving in Oakland, he writes an article about the voyage and a serial for boys, submitting them to newspapers and magazines, while facing family ridicule and learning the craft of writing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Self-Improvement

Martin studies grammar, vocabulary, and Shakespeare during his voyage, and continues learning from rhetoric books and magazines after returning.

### Love and Idealism

Martin's love for Ruth drives his ambition to become a writer and prove himself worthy of her.

## Character check-ins

### Martin Eden

Returns from sea, begins his writing career, and studies grammar and literature.

### Ruth Morse

Martin's love for Ruth inspires his writing and self-improvement.

### Bernard Higginbotham

Sneers at Martin's literary ambitions during mealtime.

### Jim

Amused by Martin's writing of the serial.

## Key lines

> Back from sea Martin Eden came, homing for California with a lover’s desire.

Martin Eden returned to California from his sea voyage, driven by his love for Ruth.

_Highlights Martin's motivation for returning._

> The creative spirit in him flamed up at the thought and urged that he recreate this beauty for a wider audience than Ruth. And then, in splendor and glory, came the great idea. He would write.

Martin felt a powerful creative urge to share beauty with the world, and decided to become a writer.

_Marks the birth of Martin's ambition to write._

> He would not have to go to sea again—as a sailor; and for the instant he caught a vision of a steam yacht.

Martin imagined that writing would allow him to leave the sailor's life and even own a steam yacht.

_Shows Martin's dream of success and freedom through writing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/martin_eden_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/martin_eden_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/martin_eden_se/chapters