Why would some people feel that Upton Sinclair’s book, The Jungle, had an unintended impact?

Question

A.
The novel only led to food safety reform in the Midwest.
B.
The public refused to believe Sinclair’s account of social problems.
C.
The public was outraged over food safety instead of worker conditions.
D.
The novel did not lead to widespread boycotts against unethical factories.

Answer 1

C. The public was outraged over food safety instead of worker conditions.

Many people believe that Upton Sinclair's primary intention with "The Jungle" was to highlight the poor working conditions and the exploitation of workers in the meatpacking industry. However, the public reaction focused more on the unsanitary conditions in food production rather than on the plight of the workers themselves. This shift in focus led to significant food safety reforms, such as the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act, which were not necessarily what Sinclair had aimed to achieve.