The tale of an individualist proletarian in a time marked by the rise of mass political movements. In early 20th-century Italy, illiterate sailor Martin Eden seeks fame as a writer while torn between the love of a bourgeois girl and allegiance to his social class.

A sad story about how a working-class man tries, and succeeds, to become a writer, but finds difficulty in fitting into that world.

Based on Jack London's autobiographical novel, "Martin Eden" tells the story of a poor and unschooled sailor (Martin Eden), who unexpectedly meets Ruth Morse, a magnetic young woman of means and education. Their unconventional attraction upends both lives and propels themes of impossible love, pursuit of the American Dream, and the quest for a comfortable place in an inconstant world.

Author writes about his experiences sailing at sea, struggles to get his work published.