The Jungle (novel)

"The Jungle" is a novel by Upton Sinclair, published in 1906. It follows the experience of a Lithuanian immigrant named Jurgis Rudkus who works in the harsh conditions of the Chicago meatpacking industry. The book exposes the brutal exploitation of workers, unsanitary practices in food production, and the struggles of immigrant families. Sinclair aimed to highlight the need for social reform and improved labor conditions. The novel sparked public outrage, leading to significant changes in food safety laws and labor rights, illustrating the power of literature to influence societal issues.