The Jungle 7

The Jungle 7

  • Submitted By: coh922
  • Date Submitted: 12/11/2008 11:37 AM
  • Category: Business
  • Words: 607
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 1

Arguably one of the best literary pieces written in the 20th century, Upton Sinclair’s, The Jungle, is a great American work, which in many ways provoked revolutionary change in various aspects of life following its original release in 1906. Well known for its condemnation of the unsanitary conditions of meat packing plants, this book also touches on a host of other societal concerns ranging from issues of racism, discrimination, immigration, poverty, to the danger of unrestricted capitalism, and social injustice. Its underlying theme of socialism as a means to achieve an economically balanced society is often overshadowed. However it is a vital part to understanding the novels framework. Through the life of the main character Jurgis Rudkus, the struggles many immigrants like him had to endure in order to advance in America is shared with the world, the irony of the so called “American Dream” is exposed on many fronts, and the necessary need for economic checks and balances is realized.
Although written as a fictional story, The Jungle illustrates a point far more greatly than non-fiction could hope to. The attention and time Sinclair devotes to detail is the reason it is one of the most influential books in American history. His vivid descriptions of the unsanitary and hazardous work conditions immigrants and other low class laborers were forced to work in, and the unhealthy practices of the meat packing industry, forcefully captures the attention of the reader and causes you to sympathize with those who fall victim to the given circumstances. As each chapter unfolds, Sinclair’s main goal becomes more and more evident. This particular piece is an attack on Capitalism and is propaganda used to gain socialist supporters. The meat market, which the immigrants work in, is made to represent a symbol of economic evil; capitalism without enforced regulations or accountability to a higher or equal authority, gives way to greed, corruption and exploitation...

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