The Jungle was written in 1906 by Upton Sinclair. Upton Sinclair experienced times of great wealth and immense poverty during his life. He has gone from one "extreme'' (Upton Sinclair) to another. Sinclair's novel was aimed to show his readers of the cruelties that exist in our world. One of these cruelties he wanted to show us was classism. He displayed classism through characters like Freddie Jones, Phil Connor and other members of the upper class.
             One example of classism in the novel is demonstrated at Jurgis's first trial. He is accused of assaulting Phil Connor. Jurgis says he assaulted Phil because he raped his wife. Phil Connor declares that "they tell some tale every time you discharge a woman'' (Sinclair pg. 139). Phil uses the word they to refer to the lower class. Phil is part of the upper class so he thinks he is more valuable than Jurgis. Phil mentions the words "every time" (Sinclair pg. 139) insinuating that this accusation has been made about him before.
             The judge responds to Phil's statements by saying ''Yes, I know'' (Sinclair pg. 139). The judge believes Phil's account of the event because Phil is part of the superior class. He believes that because Jurgis is part of the inferior class he must be lying when he says Phil raped his wife. The judge has no proof to support his decision except for the fact he believes Phil is more ethical and must be telling the truth because he is part of the upper class. The judge does not even consider that this is not the first time Phil has been accused of this. He just assumes the people accusing him were part of the lower class and were insincere every time.
             Another case of classism is portrayed when Jurgis goes to ask a farmer if he can buy a meal from him. The farmer told him to "get out'' (Sinclair pg. 179) because he "does not feed tram
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