The Jungle conveys a struggle between Capitalism and Socialism. Socialism is the best way out for the peasants, but a Capitalistic America has already trapped them. When Jurgis Rudkus and his family first come to America, they do not know how it was run. Once Jurgis begins working in the stockyards, he finds out that the upper class dominates over the lower class. Supposedly America is a democratic nation, but this is not true. Capitalism rules the nation. The upper class bosses rule what goes on in the peasants lives. It is a form of slavery. Sinclair writes: Things that were quite unspeakable went on there in the packing houses all the time, and were taken for gr

The Capitalistic way of life allows for a lot of corruption in the government and police department. Many people pay off high officials in order to get lead way in court and other places. Men who own saloons pay the police so they can sell liquor on Sundays. At one point in the book Jurgis beats up a bartender because he will not give him his change for a hundred dollar bill. The bartender does not get in trouble for this because he has paid people off. Sinclair writes, “...the owner of the saloon had paid five dollars each to the policemen alone for Sunday privileges and general favors” (249). This was a common thing among many bartenders. Capitalism involved the police, government, and common people. If one had the money, then he could get special privileges in life. After “hoboing” around the country and going to jail, Jurgis comes across a man by the name of Jack Duane for the second time. It is now when he becomes involved with politics. Jurgis and Duane help to get votes. The system is full of corruption. Jurgis becomes a Democrat, but actually helps to get votes for the Republicans. Lies make up the government as a whole. One critic writes, “The democratic institutions which might have provided a means of change have all been bought off by the ‘Machine.’ The opportunity to ‘rise’ causes men to betray their fellow workers and countrymen” (“The Jungle” 3096). Democracy does not help anyone apart from its institution at this point in time. It helps few to rise, but causes many to betray others. The government corrupts society and those who work for it. Sinclair writes: ...He, Scully, would elect him with the “sheeny’s” money, and the Republicans might have the glory.... In return for this the Republicans would agree to put up no candidate the following year, when Scully himself came up for reelection as the other alderman for the ward. (259) Capitalism plays a big role in government affairs. It helps move others forward in politics. Scully is able to pull this off because he holds a high position and has a lot of money. He is a big man in the business and can get what he wants with his money. It is Capitalism along

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