Socialism
What is socialism?
A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.
Corruption of the Body
- In these chapters we see Jurgis heal his body in the country which emphasizes the toll the city has taken on him.
- Selling your physical strength/ body because it is all you have.
- Unwilling bodies forced into prostitution.
Jurgis returns from jail to find which character on the brink of death?
His wife Ona
How does the title The Jungle tie into the multiple themes seen?
"It's a jungle out there"
Who is the leader of the Socialist Party in the Jungle?
No one
Corruption of Justice
- Jurgis is dismissed by the magistrate because of an agreement with the owner of the saloon
- Similar arrangements occur between the police and madames, gambling-house keepers, and pool-room men.
- Political power determines outcomes.
What prompts Jurgis to leave Chicago?
The death of his son Antanas
What is the significance in having Jurgis (and his family and others) consistently compared to animals?
Under capitalism, humans are resources to be used and discarded
What is the proletariat?
Workers or working-class people, regarded collectively (often used with reference to Marxism).
Corruption of Family
- Jurgis begins to see his family as a weakness due to the difficulty of living.
- This way of living literally tears apart his family.
- Children are no longer children.
After the strike was thought to be resolved, what causes it to start again?
The exclusion of the union leaders being hired back on at the meat packing plant.
How is the story of Jurgis' struggle reflected in modern America?
Cost of living v. minimum wage, labor laws, immigration laws, etc.
How did socialism affect Jurgis?
Jurgis joined the movement and wanted to convert others to socialism. He attended socialist meetings and often read socialist literature.
Corruption of Nature
- The contrast between the country environment and the city is prevalent in these chapters.
- Jurgis reflects that there is not one tree in packingtown, and that the sky around the iron works is tainted by the chimneys.
-The animals in unnatural conditions attack each other.
What are some of Jurgis' occupations in chapters 18-31?
- Harvester assembly
- Ironworks
- Digging the tunnel
- Criminal
- Hog Trimmer/ Foreman
- A porter at a hotel
What is the American Dream to Jurgis and his family?
The Dream of a 'better life.'
What is the "great purpose" of the socialist movement in the Jungle?
The organizing of the working class for the revolution
Corruption of Society
- Votes being bought
- Wage Slavery
- Jurgis briefly turns into the kind of person who takes advantage
- The Beef Trust
What does Ostrinski say the one socialist principle is?
No compromise
Do you think this cycle of struggle will ever end? How?
I personally don't think so but it's open for debate <3