UPTON SINCLAIR

1. UPTON SINCLAIR

2. Born: September 20, 1878 - Baltimore, Maryland Died: Nov. 25 - 1968, Bound Brook, New Jersey He taught himself to read at age 5. His father moved him and family to NY at the age of 10 Went to New York City College at the age of 14 because of his academic achievements, then Columbia University for law, but never got his degree *wrote in newspapers and magazines to pay for schooling* Basic Information

3. Paid his parents a regular income by 17 years old He was a socialist candidate for congress in 1906 in New Jersey. In 1934, he ran for governor of California as a democrat, but lost SOCIALISM WAS POPULAR Inspired by Karl Marx and Frank Norris Discussed problems (Sacco and Vanzetti trial) Basic Information Continued

4. He was very young Had dime novels and magazines by the age of 14 Lived in poverty, so was inspired to write boys’ stories at the age of 16 When Did he Get Intersted?

5. Gave his life to writing at a young age Went to politics, then back to writing at age 21 Ran for governor of California as a Democrat, but lost Any Other jobs?

6. The 1906 meat packing industry was what the novel The Jungle was about Motives to write

7. A theme is a topic or concept that the author is trying to convey through words The theme of The Jungle would be how horrific the 1906 meat industry was Themes of the stories

8. Sinclair stood out from other authors because of his political views, his writing topics, his honesty, and his determination. Made several unsuccessful bids for office under Socialist tickets Held unpopular political views and beliefs “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on not understanding it.” What Makes Sinclair Different

9. In 1904, Sinclair spent seven weeks in disguise devoted his writing career to documenting and criticizing the social and economic conditions of the early twentieth century he never gave up his activism He caused President Roosevelt to suggest that congress should pass a law establishing the Food and Drug Administration to set up federal inspection standards for meat What makes sinclair different Cont.