1. How does the title of The Jungle relate to the themes of the novel? Give specific examples.

2. In what ways does Sinclair depict capitalism as destructive? Consider the characters’ personal lives and social interactions.

3. Do you find Sinclair’s argument for socialism persuasive? Why or why not? How does Sinclair try to persuade the reading public to accept socialism?

4. The Jungle was one of the few works of art in American history to have a substantial and immediate impact on society. Does this social impact compensate for what some critics consider the novel’s aesthetic shortcomings?