The Acorn-Planter: A California Forest Play

The Acorn-Planter: A California Forest Play is a play written by Jack London and originally published in 1916.

It is a short play that narrates the response of the Nishinam Indian tribe (in what would be present-day California) to the arrival of settlers. The main characters are the tribal chief, the shaman, the war chief and the Dew Woman. They represent various parts of the society: government, religion, war and femininity. In each act the people who hold these positions change, but the characters remain the same.

The story revolves around the idea that the destiny of the white man was to conquer the Native Americans (although today it causes rejection, we must think in the context of the early twentieth century).

The plot draws on several of the recurring themes that London has used in other stories, such as colonialism, tribal traditions and nature.

In general, Jack London's plays have not enjoyed much popularity or representation on the stage. It is recommended reading if you are a fan of Jack London and want to complete the reading of his work, but it is not an essential reading.