Dec 30, 2009

The Jungle | Techniques

Sinclair saw The Jungle as a narrative setting forth the effects of "a system which exploits the labor of men and women for profits." He wished to avoid journalistic exposition: "What Socialism there will be in this book, will, of course, be imminent; it will be revealed by incidents — there will be no sermons." For most of the novel, Sinclair is true to his planned technique. The narrative follows the adventures of the protagonist in a naturalistic environment where only the ruthless survive. Vivid description of outrageous industrial practices insured audiences' reception of...