"The Iron Heel" is a dystopian novel by Jack London that explores the themes of class struggle and the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist elite. The story is narrated by Ernest Everhard, a socialist who documents the rise of an oligarchic regime in America. The narrative is framed as a manuscript from the future, detailing the struggles of the labor movement against the oppressive oligarchy.
The novel presents a vision of a future where the wealthy elite manipulate politics and society to maintain their power, leading to widespread poverty and hardship for the working class. London paints a grim picture of a society where social injustices are rampant, and the hopes for a better future seem bleak. The characters fight against the oppressive system, embodying the hope and resilience of the labor movement.