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