The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair

944 Words2 Pages

Do you believe this novel has any significance for anyone living in 2011? I strongly believe this novel, The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, is highly significant for anyone living in 2011 because these problems are still existent within our society and many others as well. This novel discusses problems that are crucial not only to our country but to other countries that view the United States as a place of prosperity and success. Throughout the story the author’s main focus or theme is the conflict of socialism versus capitalism and the depressing truth of the American Dream. In fact, there are many substantial problems that occur in this novel but the most prevalent dilemmas are socialism, wage slavery, and the barrenness of the American Dream. Despite these dilemmas, I believe the author wants his readers to focus on his themes and see the disheartening truth of America’s corrupted past. Socialism is an essential theme in this novel that puts a lot of emphasis on its meaning. Socialism is a political and economic theory that supports ownership of production, distribution, and exchange by the community as a whole. Throughout the novel Jurgis’s immigrant family is slowly torn apart due to the bias economic and social system that America has. However, when Jurgis discovers socialist politics in Chapter 28, it clearly shows that the purpose of this novel is to show the harsh reality between the socialism and capitalism. This quote “To Jurgis the packers had been equivalent to fate; Ostrinski showed him that they were the Beef Trust” (Sinclair, pg. 384) has a dramatic impact on me because it made me realize the true differences between the two theories. Capitalism supports the rich and the wealthy continue to increases their riches ... ... middle of paper ... ...absolutely believe that Sinclair’s messages are of major importance because the validity of his messages still applies to anyone living in the 21st century. Many of his messages concerning wage slavery, socialism, poverty, and trickery of the American Dream are still common dilemmas that exist until now. There are many victims such as my relatives from past and present generations that have died in vain just hoping to support their families abroad. However, even though my parents survived this situation they are mentally scared forever because of this. In addition, I believe that this will only stop if we constantly annoy the heads of our society such as our senators of this situation. In conclusion, I believe that if everyone had the mentality of showing more compassion and sympathy towards others rather than themselves then the world would be a better place.

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