The Jungle
“The Jungle” is a 1906 novel by American author Upton Sinclair that depicts the harsh realities and exploitation faced by working-class immigrants in the early 20th century. Set primarily in the meatpacking industry of Chicago, the book follows the tragic experiences of Jurgis Rudkus and his family as they struggle against poor working conditions, poverty, and corruption.
About This Ebook
Through the eyes of Lithuanian immigrant Jurgis Rudkus, “The Jungle” chronicles the hardships endured by laborers in America’s industrial landscape. As Jurgis and his family work tirelessly in the meatpacking plants, they face unsanitary conditions, meager wages, and systemic injustices. Sinclair’s vivid portrayal of the brutal environment within these factories shocked readers and brought attention to food safety issues, leading to significant reforms including the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The novel serves as both an exposé of the capitalist system’s excesses and a call for social justice and workers’ rights.