The Jungle

Set in early 20th-century America, the novel critiques capitalism and industrialization through the struggles of Jurgis Rudkus and his family in Chicago's meatpacking district. Sinclair vividly depicts the harsh realities faced by immigrants and the working class, exposing the corruption, exploitation, and dehumanizing conditions in the industry. This powerful narrative not only highlights the urgent need for social justice and economic reform but also sparked significant changes in food safety regulations and labor laws, making it a landmark work of American literature.