Essay 1 Outline Gabe Rojas

Industrial Genres and The Jungle Outline

Introduction

  • State topic: The intermix of the Industrial Gothic and Industrial Epic.
  • State thesis: In order to advocate his socialist motives and critique the turn-of-the-century industrial complexes at the end of his novel, Upton Sinclair morphs from the Industrial Gothic to an Industrial Epic as the
  • Highlight key aspects to Jurgis’ optimistic, “American Dream”, immigrant mindset

Section 1: Introduce the Industrial Gothic

  • Define the typical gothic genre
    • Reference to older gothic novels:
      • Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe
    • Explain how the turn-of-the-century setting alters this genre
    • The role this genre chose has in showcasing the plight of the poverty stricken
    • Use of the word “demon,” “demonic,” and simply demonic language
      • 27, 79, 117, ect.
    • Grandmother Majauszkiene (48); note: she is a socialist

Section 2: Transition to Jurgis’ mental and bodily changes

  • Showcase Jurgis’ optimism again, but in more detail
  • “Tomorrow I shall go there and get a job!” (23)
  • Bodily change
    • Explains how the meat packing industry has altered his mind and body
    • “For three weeks after his injury Jurgis never got up from bed (86).
  • Not only has his body withered but so has his opinions of the American dream (capitalism)

Section 3: Introduce the Industrial Epic

  • Define the classic epic genre
    • The Odyssey, The Iliad, The Aeneid
    • Typical characteristics
  • Speak about how the change of settings contribute to Jurgis’ ideological changes
  • Rapid succession of events (chapter 17- on)
  • Goes back to Chicago (160)

Section 4: Revise Jurgis’ mental and ideological changes

  • The focus now is on his own personal growth and idealism
  • Showcase that Jurgis is able to speak for himself
  • This will be a precursor for his interest into socialism
  • Either bring in Jack Duane here or in the previous section

Section 5: Sinclair’s Socialism

  • Speak about the socialist speakers Jurgis listens to
  • “comrade” (216)
  • Self criticism of socialism and its members (217)
    • Something that may be unattractive and worrisome
  • Natural progression that Jurgis would fall into socialism due to capitalist industrial manipulation (212-250)
  • The function of Mr. Lucas and Nicholas Schliemann (Ch.30-31)
  • Use of long winded speeches (Ch. 30-31)

Conclusion

  • Restate key points
  • Do not state a call to action
  • State the importance of this novel as it relates the socialist movement
  • Tie to contemporary ideas and opinions of socialism
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