Reflection Paper on the Jungle by Upton Sinclair

589 Words3 Pages
Sinclair’s novel, the Jungle, tells the story of a Lithuanian family of impoverished immigrants who settle down in Packingtown, the heart of Chicago’s meatpacking district. While describing the tribulations the family faces in Chicago (discrimination, corruption, and abject poverty), the novel also highlights the role ethics plays in American life, specifically in regards to dishonesty and cheating. There are several examples of struggling honest folks who are constantly swindled by con artists, thieves, and slackers. This is first illustrated by the dishonesty of the guests at Jurgis and Ona’s wedding. Lithuanian custom dictates that wedding guests provide a monetary gift to the new couple as compensation for the costs associated with the wedding celebration, however, after eating and drinking to their heart’s delight, many guests sneak out of the fete without contributing. This causes Ona much dismay as the newlyweds were largely dependent on the gifts to pay for the affair and they, along with the honest wedding guests, are left to shoulder more than their fair share of the wedding costs. Further dishonesty is exhibited when it is time to settle the bill with the saloonkeeper, who provided the liquor for the event. Though he agreed to provide a certain quality of alcohol at an agreed-upon price, he serves a cheaper quality and cheats the family by stating that guests imbibed more than they actually did. Since the saloonkeeper is well-connected with high-ranking politicians, the couple has no other choice to pay. Inconsiderate wedding guests and unscrupulous bar owners aside, corporations are also dishonest. The meatpacking factories, in particular, are extremely unsafe and unsanitary, leading to the injury and disease of its workers. Unfortunately, sickly employees are often given leave without pay. Furthermore, in the effort to maximize profits,
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