2009, Form B. Many works of literature deal with political or
social issues. Choose a novel or play that focuses on a political or social
issue. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the author uses literary
elements to explore this issue and explain how the issue contributes to the
meaning of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
The turn of the century in America did not expunge the turmoil and
underlying frustration consuming the vast lands. Poverty, unpleasant working and living conditions, hopeless
commonplace of the working class, and overwhelming corruption of the powerful,
invaded the homes of numerous Americans. With his book The Jungle, written in 1906, Upton Sinclair hoped to uncover the
dirty secrets running rampant in America, ruining lives and killing families.
The story is about
Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, and his struggling family. Sinclair was
muckraker on a mission to expose the hardships immigrants were facing as well
as revel the dangerous secrets of the meatpacking industry. He takes us into
the lives of the Rudkus’, sending the reader on a heart-wrenching journey. His
observations on the unfeasible horrid conditions and the cruel treatment of the
less fortunate were put out to the public. At a time where social Darwinism
influenced Americans’ opinions, something needed to be said. And that is
exactly what Sinclair did.
By using literary
elements such as tone, language, and diction, Sinclair imprinted his message
into the brains of all readers. His dark tone and vivid language transports the
reader into Jurgis’ life, making every blow from the awful political creatures
lurking behind the book feel like a blow to them. Using descriptive words that
really stand out on the page and emphasize the deeper meaning instead of
passive words help prove his point. By strictly using language, tone, and
diction that reflect negativity and hardship, the reader has no option but to
feel for the Rudkus’.
Sinclair wrote The
Jungle hoping to show how lives immigrants
and those living in poverty were. Along with exposes every day life struggles,
his exposure of the meat packing industry forced the government to pass The
Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.
Sinclair was a muckraking
journalist on a mission to reveal the deep secrets that laid within the streets
of the early 20th century in America. With the use of his dark tone,
diction, and language he proved his point to his readers and successfully
influenced the passage of multiple laws for a happier, safer America.
You do a nice job of explaining the book without over-summarizing. Even though I have not read "The Jungle" you gave me a good-enough understanding to read the rest of the essay. The paragraph where you begin to explain the literary techniques is not up to par with what the question was asking for. Yes you explain elements found, but there are absolutely no examples to help prove your point. I, as a reader, am not convinced of your point. How is his tone dark? What types of imagery does he use? Diction, may be harder to find an example for since you don't have the text, but you should try to somehow strengthen this point as well.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job with this post!! I really enjoyed your word choice such as "expunge" and "rampant." You seamlessly intertwined these words without sounding like you tried to throw them in. You explain how the use diction, language, and tone contribute to the piece as a whole eloquently however I do think this post would be stronger if you cited more examples for each rhetoric device and split them up into seperate paragraphs. Overall great job with this essay!!
ReplyDeleteIn September, your peer reviewers suggested that you needed to work on organizing your argument so that it would be a clearer and more effective response to the prompt. You have done a nice job this month writing a more effective argumentative structure. For next month, let's work on that supporting evidence!
ReplyDelete