The Jungle

I chose to do my research paper on the novel written by Upton Sinclair in 1906, The Jungle. The Jungle was a book that ultimately revealed many imperfections that were taking place in our capitalist society, leading to laws that still exist today. Once The Jungle was finally published, President Roosevelt heard of the novel's hype and began to investigate. The disgusting and unbelievable things that were revealed about the meat-packing industry led to the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 which was altered and now exists as the FDA. I plan on basing my essay around the standards that our food administration has set around the world and how these standards have changed from before and after this novel was created.

Most books, TV shows, and movies can influence a culture or individual in numerous ways. The Jungle gives individuals a feeling of security knowing that what they are eating is highly regulated and created through a clean and pure process. To know this book created America's standards of how food is handled and processed behind closed doors is very unique. A lot of books and shows have influenced me and our society in terms of family, beliefs, etc., but not many books lead to such a huge change in the processes by which our country regulates. I will be mainly addressing the way our country views the food process behind closed doors and how this book opened the eyes to many. What we don't know about we dont think about, and this was definitely the case when meat-packing industries were grinding up all sorts of unsanitary things.

Spring Break!

The author of this short story really emphasized that every little detail counts. She discussed how important the little things are in writing, including her personal decision that she had to make about whether to put a comma or a dash in one of her pieces, a simple decision that she felt had a big impact. Along with simple word choice, she contined to talk about the idea of "show, dont tell." This is a very important concept that many writers leave out. By showing your writer, rather than preaching, it makes the piece a lot more exciting and worth reading. Description of every kind is one of the most important things an author must include.

The paragraphs about the students I believe really outlines the idea of individuality. Every individual has a voice and that opinion matters. Obviously, as everyone has noticed throughout their life, people all have a different point of view and expression of these are key.

I definitely think it was a good idea to add the chapters about both Walt and Krakauer as individuals. To know that Chris was upset about what his father had done without him ever knowing for so many years changes the reason he had no trust in his parents. If there was this other "family" that your parents had ties with it'd change things, and to know this about Chris gave me a better picture. As for Krakauer and his similarities to Chris, it really gave me that credibility I needed. No other author with Krakauer's talents and expertise could write such a novel with the strength that he has in his voice without partaking in somewhat of a journey.

Nothing really changed as for the book, but it definitely backed up the feelings I had. I never really knew why Chris was so unattached to his parents. I realize the farther you get away from your parents some people part becuase of various situations but knowing the background of Chris's family showed me there may even be more complications that just weren't in the text. Taking Chris's side or thinking he's insane and stupid are the two viewpoints that people have had. For Krakauer to have a very personal viewpoint and have a reason for the way he feels adds more support to what he says.