Oil! · Question
How does Oil! develop the theme of Idealism vs. Pragmatism?
Answer
Oil! by Upton Sinclair develops Idealism vs. Pragmatism across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Bunny's journey from youthful idealism to a more worldly perspective is a key theme, as he grapples with the contradictions between his ethical beliefs and the harsh realities of the oil business.
Dad's strict adherence to rules and order contrasts with the chaotic reality of other drivers, highlighting the tension between ideal driving standards and practical road conditions.
Dad's pragmatic approach to driving—using chains, slowing for traps—contrasts with his idealistic defiance of unjust laws.
Bunny's admiration for Paul's honesty and refusal of money contrasts with his father's pragmatic, profit-driven approach.
Evidence in the book
- I
Dad's strict adherence to rules and order contrasts with the chaotic reality of other drivers, highlighting the tension between ideal driving standards and practical road conditions.
- III
Dad's pragmatic approach to driving—using chains, slowing for traps—contrasts with his idealistic defiance of unjust laws.
- IX
Bunny's admiration for Paul's honesty and refusal of money contrasts with his father's pragmatic, profit-driven approach.
- II
Bunny contrasts Paul's refusal of money with Dad's pragmatic view that everyone is out for themselves, highlighting the tension between idealism and business reality.
- III
Bunny's idealistic resolve to tell the truth and his empathy for Paul clash with the practical realities of the oil boom and family expectations.
- V
Bunny's idealistic moral reasoning contrasts with Dad's pragmatic willingness to lie when convenient.
- I
Bunny compares school's romanticized education with Dad's hard-nosed oil-business realism, questioning which is 'really right.'
- III
Bunny's idealistic outrage at Ruth's beating clashes with Dad's pragmatic view that Abel is the boss of his family.
