Literature is a powerful and persuasive tool. History holds proof that a well-written novel, even a work of fiction, has the power to have a profound impact on society. One such novel is Upton Sinclair's 1906 expose of the American immigrant, infamously titled The Jungle. The story chronicles the trials and tribulations of a Lithuanian family struggling to make a living in Chicago's slaughterhouses. The problems this family faces are among the most disturbing and widely read fictional depictions of the lower class of the last century. The Jungle, now hailed as a literary masterpiece, is considered the rationale for the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act of the early 1900s (Ewers). Although Sinclair's story is revered for supposedly helping to reform a corrupt industry, research into today's meat processing industry and the lives of 21st century immigrants proves that the story has in reality had very few consequences. Additionally, research into Sinclair himself raises a number of questions about his motivations and credibility. Although Sinclair's novel was well received and considered to have had a major impact on society, it actually had very little effect on anything other than the American psyche. To better understand what hasn't changed because of The Jungle, it is first important to understand what the story's initial impact was, and how it is perceived today. The very famous words of Upton Sinclair perfectly explain the powerful impact of his story: “I aimed for the audience's heart and, by accident, hit them in the stomach (Cohen). » When The Jungle was first published in 1906, it was a series of short stories describing the fate of the main character, Jurgis, and his f...... middle of paper ..... . Rules. Issues and controversies on file. File News Services Facts, December 19, 2008. Web. March 2, 2011. Hinderliter, Justine. “From Farm to Table: “How This Little Pig Was Dragged Through the Market.” » University of San Francisco Law Review. Flight. 40 East. 3. P. 739-76, 2006. Klein, Julia M. “Sinclair Redux.” Columbia Journalism Review 45 No. 2, 58-60. August 2006. Web. March 2, 2011. Preston, Julia. "After Iowa Raid, Immigrants Fuel Labor Investigations." New York Times, July 27, 2008. Web. March 2, 2011. Reed, Lawrence W. “How a Food Safety Myth Became a Legend.” » Consumer Research Magazine. Flight. 78, est. 2, p. 23-24. February 1995. Web. March 2, 2011. “The Jungle”. New Republic, Vol. 236, East. 1-3, p.7. January 1, 2007. Web. March 2, 2011. Wenzel 8Walsh, Bryan. “The American food crisis and how to fix it.” » Time, Vol. 174, East. 8, p. 30-37. August 31, 2009. Web. March 2 2011.