"The Scarlet Plague," a novel by Jack London, is set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a mysterious pandemic that decimates the human population. The story follows James Howard Smith, one of the last survivors, as he recounts his experiences in a society that has regressed to a primitive state. Through Smith's eyes, readers witness the social and moral decay that ensues after civilization crumbles, highlighting humanity's fragility in the face of disease and disaster.
The narrative unfolds in a time where civilization has been reduced to tribal communities, and knowledge of the world before the plague is scarce. Smith, who once was a professor, reflects on his life and the events leading up to the outbreak, contrasting his educated past with the savage present. The story explores themes of loss, survival, and the inherent nature of humanity when faced with extreme adversity.