Sinclair, a socialist, strives to illustrate to the reader the flaws in a capitalist economy. One of the themes of the novel is that a capitalist economic system promotes a harmful lifestyle. Cite two incidents from this chapter that support this theme.

The family bought a house from, what they thought, was a honest business but keep running into extra payments, repairs and more taxes than they were told by the company.

Marija is being short changed on her pay. She complains to her manager and is fired. THere is no recourse for her.