* Poverty and Hunger: London's family was extremely poor. They lived in a small, cramped shack with little to no food and often faced hunger. This experience would later inspire some of his most famous works, including "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang," which depict the struggles of survival in harsh environments.
* Labor Exploitation: London started working at a young age, first as a newsboy and later in factories and canneries. He endured long hours, dangerous conditions, and unfair wages, experiences he later used to depict the plight of the working class in his writings.
* Limited Education: Due to poverty, London received limited formal education, dropping out of school at a young age. He later became a voracious reader and self-taught himself in various subjects, but this early lack of access to education impacted his opportunities.
* Family Instability: London's family life was unstable. His parents divorced when he was young, and he later faced further disruptions as he moved frequently with his mother and siblings. This instability contributed to a sense of restlessness and a desire for adventure that he later explored in his fiction.
* Physical Challenges: London suffered from various health issues throughout his life, including tuberculosis and a heart condition. These illnesses, along with his injuries from hard labor, contributed to a sense of physical hardship and resilience, which are reflected in his works.
These childhood obstacles, while challenging, contributed to Jack London's unique perspective on life, his empathy for the downtrodden, and his desire to explore the harsh realities of existence. They also fueled his ambition to succeed, which he eventually achieved through his writing.