Seminar in
American Literature
RESOURCES


  
Upton Sinclair,
The Jungle               

--Analysis, summary, & discussion of The Jungle, with study questions
(PinkMonkey)
--biographical sketch of Upton Sinclair
--"A Capitalist Primer," by Christopher Hitchens
--Classroom Issues & Strategies: The Jungle (James C. Wilson)
--The Jungle (hypertext)
--Literature Forum: The Jungle
--SparkNotes on The Jungle (Selena Ward)
--Study Guide and Essay Questions
--Study Questions
--Upton Sinclair (The Literature Network)
--Upton Sinclair & the Muckrakers: Video Lesson Plan (PBS)
--Works by Uptton Sinclair

Aimée C. Taylor
English 7758
Dr. Nordquist
August 10, 2002 

An American Documentary: The Novel Revisited

Sinclair, Upton. The Jungle. New York: Bantam, 1981.

            Sinclair weaves a journalistic tale of propaganda involving everything from sexual exploitation to racism to America’s economic (in)stability. What makes the story moving is that the information is disturbingly true. The novel is a documentary calling for social protest from the sensitive narrator’s point of view (Sinclair himself?). The work is problematic in that it resembles a novel’s framework only vaguely; it has characters, but the characters are numerous with virtually no development; there is a story, but it is told with minimal reflection and little in-depth analysis; it does, however, show a number of universal problems screaming for remedy. Thus, The Jungle fits into the same category of social reform as the other novels studied in this course. 

            The Jungle parallels The Grapes of Wrath, focusing on the plight of one family while truly representing an entire subculture of American poverty. Moving from Lithuania to America is just as fruitless for Jurgis as it was for the Joads to move to California. Each “opportunity” actually brings heartache, despair, and even rape and death. The America dream thus becomes a nightmare. The “system” keeps the poor uneducated, unskilled, unmarketable and unfulfilled while the wealthy prosper even more. The story is tragic, revolting and demands action. Because the immigrants fear retaliation, many sit back and take the abuse. Not everything can be blamed on the Americans though. The immigrants themselves turn against each other. The tradition of helping others out when they make it to America as well as the continuation of sending money back home to bring even more family members over breaks down. The situation is so pathetic, that each must only concern themselves with feeding their immediate family and keeping them healthy.

            For Jurgis, Socialism becomes a solution to the abuse when he has truly lost everything and everyone. The solution is not without faults, but it at least gives him hope. Jurgis survives his multiple tragedies and obstacles with almost implausible and steadfast determination. He endures despite his social status and not because of it. In this sense, the book resembles The Invisible Man. Jurgis’s alienation leads him searching for any form of acceptance. He joins the Socialist movement much like Ellison’s character feels justified in becoming a communist. Race becomes less of a burden for the first time ever, as each main character begins looking at the good of all people instead of wallowing in self-pity. The human force becomes more important than personal tragedy (or even the possibility of personal gains). Fighting for a cause intoxicates the main character with a sense of purpose, acceptance, and hope. Jurgis sees the ills of a capitalistic society. He sees how people are being tortured, raped, and dehumanized for a product not even suitable for human consumption. He also sees people profit from the exploitation of the less fortunate. Sinclair gives such people a voice-a voice demanding change, humanity, humility, hope. Jurgis decides to hear the call to action instead of retreating into the basement of mere existence.

            Stylistically, Sinclair falls short. He is blatant, tough, and honest with his narrative. Instead of subtly hinting at abuse, he chronicles the savage treatment of the immigrants, especially the women. Certainly, the phrasing and syntax echo investigative reporting-facts, facts, facts; however, Sinclair does attempt to give his work the “feel” of a novel. He adds time references, sets the stage for specific actions, and tries to probe into Jurgis’s mind. Unfortunately, the delivery is flat, stale, and lacking creative substance, especially in comparison to the other novels studied in this course. It is still a novel demanding social reform, but the style is that of an expanded newspaper. The “meat” (ironically/appropriately) is missing.

            Consider the following excerpts. They lack specific stylistic devices-no alliteration, few balanced sentences, weak symbolism, unimaginative descriptions, and weak character development.

            “So there passed another summer. It was a summer of prosperity, all over the country, and the country ate generously of packing house products, and there was plenty of work for all of the family, in spite of the packers’ efforts to keep superfluity of labor” (130).

            “He traveled upon the railroad with several other men, hiding in freight cars at night, and liable to be thrown off at any time, regardless of the speed of the train. When he reached the city he left the rest, for he had money and they did not, and he meant to save himself in this fight” (222).

            “So the crowd subsided; and a few moments later several policemen came up, staring here and there, and leering at their victims” (289).

           The previous examples have no color imagery, no intriguing contrasts/comparisons, no fresh similes/metaphors, not even strong, descriptive verbs. Instead, it is news reporting with straightforward facts. Yes, the plight/subject is terrible, but the story is more enduring and endearing if the reader can associate with a character. The novel was a success in bringing about change in the meatpacking industry, but even Sinclair said that was not his real intention. The novel has historical significance because of the resulting social reform, but the novel does not fit into the classification of a classic because of the lack of literary merit.

Teaching Ideas:

1.  Research a scandal in the past 40 years, and trace the impact it made on American Society. How did publications or other forms of mass media assist in spreading awareness? Will this ever be a problem again?

Possible topics:

1. 1980s-discovery of the HIV virus and the contamination of the nations’ blood supply, other viruses now being screened for?
2. Textile sweatshops-immigrant labor, slave labor, child labor, designer labels?
3. Toxic/Nuclear waste dumping and transporting, regulations, safety precautions, clean up crews?
4. Alaskan Pipeline-spills, environmental concerns, profits, liability?
5. Terrorism-national security, airline safety, screening passengers, training employees, flight schools?

2. Debate whether or not the novel was a success according to Sinclair, pop culture, scholars, etc.

3.  Create a script for a new television show dealing with a similar multicultural crisis. Provide a brief bio on each character and tell which actor/actress will play each and explain why. Outline how the show will progress after the pilot. Pay close attention to the discovery of the problem and the solutions offered. Is this a national or global problem?

4. Conduct an interview of an elderly person who immigrated to America. Ask about how life in America has changed over the years. Ask specific questions concerning immigration, federal regulations, and family. Do they feel as if they achieved the American Dream? What obstacles did they have to overcome other than learning a new language for many?

5. Produce your own whistle blowing newspaper about a local scandal. Make it as realistic as possible. Feel free to interview local politicians, religious leaders, community activist, etc. Who knows, you might really make the news!

6.  Draw a cartoon depicting a recent scandal. Include dialogue, symbolism, etc. to convey your message. The cartoon should be thought provoking but also relatively obvious.