'The Jungle' Questions for Study and Discussion

Upton Sinclair's Banned Book

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
Victorgrigas/Wikimedia Commons

The Jungle is one of the greatest (and most controversial) works by  Upton Sinclair.. Dedicated to "the Workingmen of America," the novel detailed the unhealthy conditions of the meatpacking industry and eventually led President Theodore Roosevelt to pursue new federal legislations. 

Here are a few questions for study and discussion to think about before and after reading this work.

  • What is important about the title: The Jungle?
  • What are the conflicts in The Jungle? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) did you notice in this novel?
  • How does Upton Sinclair reveal character in The Jungle?
  • What are some themes in the novel? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  • What are some symbols in The Jungle? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  • Is Jurgis Rudkus consistent in her actions? Is he a fully developed character? How? Why?
  • Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet?
  • Does the novel end the way you expected? How? Why?
  • What is the central/primary purpose of the novel? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
  • Why is the novel usually considered a work of protest literature?
  • How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
  • What is the role of women in the text? How are mothers represented? What about single/independent women?
  • Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
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Lombardi, Esther. "'The Jungle' Questions for Study and Discussion." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/the-jungle-questions-for-discussion-740316. Lombardi, Esther. (2020, August 27). 'The Jungle' Questions for Study and Discussion. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/the-jungle-questions-for-discussion-740316 Lombardi, Esther. "'The Jungle' Questions for Study and Discussion." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-jungle-questions-for-discussion-740316 (accessed March 29, 2024).