Symbolism And Motifs In Upton Sinclair's The Jungle

Many works of literature deals with political issues or social issues. One such work of literature is Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. The author uses symbolism and motifs to show the overarching theme of his book, the evils of capitalism. The author writes about corruption time and time again as a tool used by the powerful in a capitalistic society. As Jurgis and his family continue to live in Packingtown, believing they can be part of the realization American Dream, they find themselves slipping deeper into the corruption and immorality surrounding them. Jurgis, and through his eyes the viewer, witnesses the packaging of tuberculosis ridden beef, the overworking and death of many of Jurgis's family, and even the rape of Jurgis's wife at the hands
of a wealthy company owner, who then manages to walk free despite his crimes. Through the repetition of the injustices faced by Jurgis and his family due to the motif of corruption, the author vividly displays the the evils of a capitalistic society. As much as the contents of the book shows the evil of capitalism, the cover of the book does just as much. The symbolic meaning of the title, The Jungle, most strongly shows the authors main message of the evils of capitalism. The title of the book symbolizes the competitive nature of capitalism. IT conveys the idea that the strong prey on the weak, keeping the wealthy getting wealthier and everyone else subdued. However through the motif of corruption mentioned earlier, Sinclair shows the "strong" isn't the best of humankind but rather the worst and most corrupt. An evil possible through a capitalistic society. Using symbolism and motif, Sinclair shows the evils of capitalism. Sinclair explains that capitalism is an imperfect system and by bringing it to light, attempts to bring change through the power of the public. While his work didn't create a revolution, his work did bring reform that lasts with us even today through the FDA.