The Jungle’s mood is relentlessly grim, evoking feelings of rage, despair and helplessness. As the narrative progresses, Sinclair reflects the turbulent journey of the characters and the socio-economic realities of the time through a torrent of heartbreakingly sad scenes. Characters repeatedly have their hopes raised, only to have them dashed by unfair and unforeseen circumstances. The initial mood is one of despair, oppression, and the harsh challenges faced by immigrants in their new environment. However, amid the difficulties, there are glimpses of hope and optimism that offer a respite from the oppressive atmosphere. Unfortunately, though, these almost make the grinding cycle of failure and regret seem worse.
As the story unfolds, the mood shifts to one of tension and anxiety. Nothing seems to go well for Jurgis and his family, and their struggles intensify. Jurgis loses every job he has, as does everyone he loves. They are conned into a predatory house loan, scammed out of their savings, and forced to work backbreaking jobs for unbearable hours. The brief moments of hope are quickly overshadowed by mounting dread, and the reader becomes increasingly suspicious of an impending disaster. The sense of unease grows, generating a rising feeling of apprehension. Whenever something good happens, it quickly starts to feel as if it’s signaling another disaster on the horizon—and these disasters, in turn, lead to a feeling of indignation or outrage.
Toward the conclusion of the novel, the mood transitions from outrage into sadness and reflection. The devastating events of Jurgis’s life, Ona’s death, and Marija’s descent into addiction prompt the reader to contemplate the merits of capitalism versus socialism. The reader is left with a sense of sorrow for the losses suffered by people who lived like Sinclair’s characters. They also gain a deeper understanding of the systemic flaws that perpetuate inequality and suffering. Finally, Sinclair’s political message allows them to see the potential for Union action and Socialist organization to improve living conditions for the working class.
