Rudyard Kipling's “The Mark of the Beast” and Jack London's story “The Sheriff of Kona” are similar in some ways and quite different in others. Let's look at a few comparisons and contrasts to help you generate some ideas for this assignment.

First, let's focus on comparisons. You might talk about the settings of these two stories. They both take place in exotic locations where strange things can happen and people are at risk in ways they would not be elsewhere. You could also talk about the centrality of leprosy in both tales. While this disease means something different in the stories, it is a horrifying malady. You may also refer to how both authors use frame narratives to set up the tales. The stories also have similar themes, at least in part. Think in terms of fear.

As for contrasts, these two stories are of different genres. Kipling's tales is a horror story while London's does not fall into that category, at least not to the same extent. Kipling's tale provides a supernatural horror while London describes a purely natural fear. You might also discuss the differences between Fleete and Lyte and how the men around them respond to them. Finally, discuss the difference between the antagonists in each tale.