What do ya think?

[Brianna]

Reading Week One: My Interpretations

Quote: "'We will pay them all somehow. I will work harder.' This was always what Jurgis said."(24).
The way that this quote is stated make it have a mechanical feel. Kind of like a robot programmed to do and say certain things. The statement reacting to Jurgis's mantra shows how that is a contant mindset of his, which can be unhealthy. He is being overworked with no reprieve. Although this does show how people are willing to sacrifice for their loved ones, it shows how they are dehumanized, worked like a mule.
This quote can be applied today, as people around the world show determination when they work long hours for mediocre pay. In other locations people work in similar fashions, revealing a circle that has been made. The production of money often overshadows human needs, which is unfortunate.

[Brianna]

What literary period do you think this novel represents? Explain your suggestion with evidence and connect the evidence with the literary period's ideas.

[Brianna]

The novel represents either Naturalism or Realism, it has aspects of both. The excerpt "it seemed as if there must be some subtle poison in the air that one breathed here--it was affecting all the young men at once"(21) reflects the pessimistic view this novel often takes. The Jungle itself depicts the ugly, realistic and disgusting horrors of its time though fictional characters. Those are aspects of Realism.
Naturalism is represented in the novel in several ways. The quote discussed in the previous discussion shows determinism. The character's struggles, specifically when winter came and "came the day when the unfit one did not report for work...no inquiries or regrets, there was a chance for a new hand"(97) shows Naturalism's emphasis on the survival of the fittest. The frankness in detail of the factories and their lives reflects another aspect, especially when "each season had its trials"(124).

[Brianna]

How is this novel structured and how does it affect the tone of the novel?

[Brianna]

Sinclair kind of jumps around in this Nobel, beginning with a description of a wedding and continuing with events that occurred before and after it in no particular sequential order, such as chronological. I believe that he used his detailed description of the wedding to provide a reference for the reader when he builds the characters' involvement in the story later.
This style demonstrates the way life can be chaotic, unexpected and unstoppable. It really contributes to the overall mood of the story. Another notable method is that the novel is written in third person omniscient. This gives us a window into many different sides within the story, fully providing us with a complete immersion into the unflinching world Sinclair describes.

[Brianna]

The three T's: thesis, themes and thoughts!

The novel describes the social issues mass immigration brought on during the Industrial Revolution. Sinclair's description of the rage, confusion and sadness of his characters mirrors his own sentiments regarding the outrage of lies and poverty of this time. He states that the stories of men deteriorating from all of the overworking are enough to "make your flesh creep"(28). His disgust regarding the slaughtering of the pigs is describes in this excerpt:"They had done nothing to deserve it; and it was adding insult to injury, as Hennessy thing was done here, swinging them up in this cold-blooded, impersonal way, without a pretense of apology, without the homage of a tear."(46) This description later can be applied to the way the workers are dropped by unapologetic bosses.
Sinclair also brings issues among families due to economic troubles to light. As Jurgis suffered an injury that put him out of work, he became angry and mean toward his family. He still loved them, but he was incapable of providing for the and "he knew that the family might literally starve to death."(141) As Jurgis grew more discontent, his usually loving behavior toward his wife went sound, making Ona wonder "if he cared for her as much as ever"(150). Sinclair stated that "truly it was hard, in such a life, to keep any sentiment alive."(150) This novel also explores the alcoholic tendencies of a large majority of people who suffer horrible conditions and poverty when "Jurgis had discovered drink."
This corruption within the society, especially the corporate figures to Jurgis and his family apart. Ona and their new child died during the birth, leaving Jurgis to bare regrets as he seeks solace in his son's innocence. Soon, his son dies as well, making him go off on his own, leaving the rest of his family. After this, Sinclair claims that "this is no world for women and children, and the sooner they got out of it the better for them."(258)
Jurgis explores other possibilities when he is on his own. His struggle for survival in different, but not so separate, side of the spectrum uncovers the depth of corruption in society. Scully, a man of extremely high influence, can be at fault for every single awful thing that Jurgis has endured, from his terrible house to his son dying in the street.(315) Jurgis get involved in politics, but has to flee when he tries to kill Connor (again), and meets a familiar, friendly criminal in jail. Jurgis becomes a criminal, then a homeless man desperate for food and shelter.
Jurgis has an enlightenment when he comes across a Socialist meeting, and soon becomes an active Socialist(chapters 28-29). As they gain leverage, Packingtown undergoes an enlightenment itself. Sinclair laments "the workers were simply the citizens of industry, and the Socialist movement was the expression of their will to survive."(396) Jurgis is taught that socialism is everywhere throughout the globe, implying that it is a step toward fixing the rampant corruption of big business. Although the issues of it are highlighted in how the two Socialist representatives could even agree on the specifics of the ideology(407), the novel ends with the Socialists fighting to control Chicago, exclaiming "CHICAGO WILL BE OURS!(419).