benefit. In chapter 28 when Ostrenski, a staunch socialist, is introduced Jurgis is transformed into the socialist way of thinking. Ostrenski tells Jurgis that his condition of poverty is not the result of his action or destiny; it is the result of him being oppressed by the wealthy merchants in Chicago. However, in a socialist society the plight of the working class s addressed. In chapter 31, Nicholas Schliemann is introduced. Schliemann is a socialist leader who acts as a voice for Sinclair in the novel. Schliemann claims once the public owns the means of production (socialism), inefficiencies will be eliminated. Thus, the working class will have to work less, in better conditions, and be paid more for their work. In the last few chapters of the novel, the story is abandoned. It turns into a socialist manifesto designed to show the evils of capitalism and illuminate how socialism can rectify those evils. In “ The Gospel of Wealth” Andrew Carnegie sings the praises of the capitalist system. Carnegie came from poor background and turned himself into one of the largest industrial tycoons of the day. According to Carnegie everyone had an individual responsibility to, as well as the opportunity to rise, thus poverty should be temporary. The “Gospel of Wealth” argues that someone that has initiative, works hard and has ability should be able to overcome poverty. The socialist is regarded as someone who “is attacking the foundation upon which civilization itself rests”(Marcus and Burner 89). Carnegie implies that the differences created by capitalism are what drive improvement. Without disparity, there would be no drive for advancement. In Communist or socialist societies things remain constant. There is no desire for improvement and progress is staled. An example of this is in Cuba. If one walks down the streets of Havana, it will look the same now as it did in the 1950’s, when Castro t...
