"The Jungle"

Paper Summary:

This paper shows that the purpose of Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" was clearly to advocate socialism as the only answer to the wage slavery enforced by capitalism. However, the novel suggests that labor unions failed because owners could form even more powerful associations. "The Jungle" points out that the only way that the working man could gain freedom was by restructuring American society, suggesting that socialism was the only way, which seemed to be the theme of the novel. In addition, the paper shows that the depiction of filthy conditions in Chicago's slaughterhouses in this novel alerted the nation of the need to take precautions. The book helped to push the Pure Food and Drug Bill out of a House Committee and to force President Roosevelt to take action. At the same time, a Beef Inspection Act was submitted to the Senate, with Roosevelt's approval. Six months after "The Jungle" was published, the Pure Food and Drug Bill and the Beef Inspection Bill were passed.

From the Paper:

"Sinclair explains that Jurgis feels no more his own man than when he was shoveling guts at Brown's, working when he was told to, receiving whatever pay the packers chose to give him. He feels that he is better off committing crimes with Jack Duane, who introduces him to the criminal world of Chicago or buying votes for Mike Scully, an Irishman who is the Democratic boss of Packingtown. Eventually, Jurgis finds Elizbieta and is accepted. Jurgis lands a job as a porter at a hotel run by a Socialist organizer, Tommy Hinds. Things are starting to look up for Jurgis and he feels that he finally has a chance in the world."

More papers on "The Jungle":

• Book Review # 93471 : "Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle"
• Analytical Essay # 89549 : "Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle"
• Book Review # 119163 : "The Role of Capitalism in "The Jungle"
• Persuasive Essay # 72975 : "Stephen Crane's "Maggie" and Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle"

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