<p>The Beast in the Jungle is a novella by Henry James. Almost universally considered one of James' finest short narratives, this story treats appropriately universal themes: loneliness, fate, love and death. The parable of John Marcher and his peculiar destiny has spoken to many readers who have speculated on the worth and meaning of human life.<br><br>John Marcher, the protagonist, is reacquainted with May Bartram, a woman he knew ten year...