The Jungle

A detailed Summary of The Jungle


The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair emphasizes many hardships that were present among immigrants during their journey to America. To overcome these hardships, Jurgis must be informed; by others that have experience and knowledge of the systems, and who have a familiarity with a seemingly new way of life. In The Jungle, Jurgis meets some key characters that help him manipulate and understand how to overcome many problems. Jack Duane, Bush Harper, and Mike Scully teach Jurgis about the unseen system and way of life that can be obtained by compromising and understanding the connection between politicians, businessmen, criminals, and Union's.

In the novel Jurgis is sent to jail several times. After a bartender cheats Jurgis for his one hundred-dollar bill, he attacks him and sent to jail for his second time. Once more in prison he encounters Jack Duane who is a safecracker and seemingly knowledgeable criminal. Like their first encounter Jurgis and Jack talk about many different issues involving society. This time Jurgis is able to relate to their conversations and his views because he is now serving time without the thought of his family. One view that Duane sent upon Jurgis when nullifying an objection that Jurgis had was


, "It was a case of us or the other fellow, I say the other fellow every time."(Sinclair 249).

After obtaining a job and looking to advance Scully told Jurgis to hold on because "Something will turn up"(Sinclair 261). And indeed Mike was right on the mark. In May, the agreement between that packers and the unions expired and the workers went on strike. Mike informed Jurgis about the role to play during a strike. He taught Jurgis that just because everyone is on strike, you do not have to be. By showing Jurgis the inside view of the packers and the unions, Jurgis was able to obtain work during the strike as well as ask for a wage increase. Showing up to the surprise of his boss Mr. Murphy, who's face lit up after Jurgis's said, "I have come back to work" and "I think I ought to have three dollars a day."(Sinclair 263).

Bush Harper was a very smart political boss that posted bail for Jurgis. Harper showed Jurgis the power and influence that one can have when involved with politics. He not only demonstrated his power by effortlessly fixing Jurgis's problem of being blacklisted, "I'll attend to that all right."(Sinclair 257), But he also informed Jurgis about the role he could play in politics and what he could do the gain power, money, and friends. He told Jurgis about the barrels of mo

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Approximate Word count = 873
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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