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The Jungle Analysis

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Corruption, lies, adultery, politics, and death are all topics addressed in Upton Sinclair’s 1906 novel The Jungle. The book reveals the atrocities that occurred during the early 1900’s in Chicago’s cruel and disgusting meatpacking district. The Jungle chronicles the struggle of a Lithuanian family that came to America with dreams of making their riches and passing it on to their descendants. Analysis of the novel reveals a recurring theme of how desperation makes people do horrible things such as being coerced into sexual acts, working in dangerous conditions, and selling themselves for money. Peer review by Slate’s Karen Olsen critics the novel’s shortcomings and praises its high points. The tale of a poor, hopeful Lithuanian family …show more content…

The family begins to have good luck, both Jonas and Marija begin to work. The group is presented with an offer for a house, which they take without understanding the fine print. The entire family continues working, with Jurgis quickly learning all of the horrible things that occur in the factories. Soon after the wedding described in the beginning occurs and life goes on afterwards. Old Dede Antanas dies from sickness. Their first winter begins and they are not prepared for what happens. Hours are cut, so all of the family is being paid less than half of what they were usually making. Jurgis joins the union and the rest of the family follows. Jurgis becomes a citizen and learns more of the political corruption that occurs under him. Soon after this Ona gives birth to a boy, who is named Antanas. Later, Jurgis hurts his leg on the job which progressively gets bad enough that he is bedridden to allow it to heal. While Jurgis is bedridden, Jonas leaves the group without notice, causing the family’s income to decrease further. After his leg heals, Jurgis finds a job at the fertilizer plant. Ona starts to become sick and despondent, which worries Jurgis. Jurgis questions her repeatedly and learns about what Connor had done. Jurgis assaults Connor for his crime and is sent to prison where he meets Jack Duane, a charismatic criminal. Jurgis is sentenced to a month in jail for the assault of Connor. When Jurgis is released he comes

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