The Jungle: Difference between revisions
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===Plot Summary=== | ===Plot Summary=== | ||
[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/140/140.txt ''The Jungle''] | [http://www.gutenberg.org/files/140/140.txt ''The Jungle''] follows the life of Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, and his family as they struggle to survive in Chicago. The family came in search of the American Dream, but, to their dismay, fined that workers are poorly paid, forced to work in deplorable conditions, and are the victims of unfair labor practices. Through Rudkus, The Jungle explores corruption and the filthy secrets of the meatpacking industry. Tragic events force Rudkus to leave Chicago, only to return to the city penniless. In order to survive Rudkus becomes a criminal. During his criminal career, Rukus helps politicians buy votes and sees how corrupt the political system is in Chicago. After another run in with the law, Rudkus is exposed to socialism. Socialism provides an explanation for Rudkus’ suffering and he becomes obsessed with the movement. Rudkus is able to support the remaining members of his family after finding a good job at a Socialist run hotel. The Jungle ends with one of the Socialist leaders espousing the virtues of socialism and the evils of capitalism (The Jungle Book Notes). | ||
===Social Significance=== | ===Social Significance=== | ||
Revision as of 05:48, 6 May 2006
About the Author
Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) was born in Baltimore, Maryland and started writing when he was a teen living in New York City. Sinclair graduated in 1897 from College of the City of New York. He was a socialist and a muckraker, which is why the majority of his writings contain messages of classism and the plight of laborers. In 1906, with the proceeds from The Jungle, Sinclair established Helicon Home Colony, a socialist community in New Jersey. He went on to run for governor of California twice, win a Pulitzer Prize for Dragon’s Teeth (1942), and write more than 80 books. Sinclair died in 1968 while living in Arizona (Sinclair, Upton).
Plot Summary
The Jungle follows the life of Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, and his family as they struggle to survive in Chicago. The family came in search of the American Dream, but, to their dismay, fined that workers are poorly paid, forced to work in deplorable conditions, and are the victims of unfair labor practices. Through Rudkus, The Jungle explores corruption and the filthy secrets of the meatpacking industry. Tragic events force Rudkus to leave Chicago, only to return to the city penniless. In order to survive Rudkus becomes a criminal. During his criminal career, Rukus helps politicians buy votes and sees how corrupt the political system is in Chicago. After another run in with the law, Rudkus is exposed to socialism. Socialism provides an explanation for Rudkus’ suffering and he becomes obsessed with the movement. Rudkus is able to support the remaining members of his family after finding a good job at a Socialist run hotel. The Jungle ends with one of the Socialist leaders espousing the virtues of socialism and the evils of capitalism (The Jungle Book Notes).
Social Significance
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