The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair

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The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair, became an instant classic in 1906, and has become possibly one of the most referenced books in history and political science classrooms all over the United States, according to Dustin LaBarge (LaBarge para.1). Sinclair’s novel has generated worldwide awareness of the repulsive meat-packing industry. I found the book intriguing, because of the detail that was added in to make sure nothing was left out. There were moments of the story that were too detailed in my opinion causing me to lose interest, but overall I found to have learned something I would probably have not known about.
The story is based on the lives of two newly married Lithuanians, Jurgis and Ona. The story begins with their wedding reception, in Packingtown, whose purpose is evident from the title. The two are looking forward to their future together, but there are already dark clouds forming in the distance. As the ceremony comes to an end they find that they have not collected enough money to fully pay for the reception. Some men in Packingtown have a habit of attending ceremonies uninvited, and without paying. This is Ona and Jurgis first sign as to what’s in store for them.
The family migrated to the Untied States in hope of finding the American dream as people call it. Life in Lithuania was hard, and they had heard nothing but good things about America. Throughout the novel Sinclair continuously praises Jurgis’s physical strength and massive size in order to predict what will happen to him as the story continues. The family see’s the all the men outside the packing plants waiting to be picked out for a job and instantly become hesitant on their decision to come here. Jurgis, however has no trouble being picked out of the cro...

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...pection procedures would cost the government a great deal of money. As he put it, "I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach." Sinclair's wishes were eventually satisfied, however, by legislation in the latter half of the 20th century that would protect and promote workers' rights. The Jungle provides vivid imagery and a fantastic storyline that should be an integral part of every book collection. (Schlosser pg. 2)
It is difficult, in my opinion to stay connected to the book with the long paragraphs without break, and details that seem to last forever. There were absolutely some weaknesses to the book, but there were also strengths that were portrayed by the author. Sinclair leaves out no detail no matter how grueling. If he was trying to make people understand the injustice that was happing in Chicago at the time he surely succeeded.

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