# How does The Iron Heel develop the theme of Corruption of Institutions (Church, State, Labor)?

> The Iron Heel by Jack London

## Answer

The Iron Heel by Jack London develops Corruption of Institutions (Church, State, Labor) across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Key institutions like the church, government, and labor unions are shown as being co-opted by the oligarchy, betraying their stated principles to serve the interests of the wealthy and powerful.

The courts and legal profession are corrupted by class interests, as seen in Judge Caldwell's bias and the lawyer's whining.

Ernest details the hypocrisy of capitalists who invoke religion while exploiting workers, bribing officials, and adulterating food.

The university is shown bowing to wealthy interests, and the government attempts to bribe a labor leader, illustrating institutional corruption.

## Evidence

- [iii-jackson-s-arm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/iii-jackson-s-arm.md): The courts and legal profession are corrupted by class interests, as seen in Judge Caldwell's bias and the lawyer's whining.
- [v-the-philomaths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/v-the-philomaths.md): Ernest details the hypocrisy of capitalists who invoke religion while exploiting workers, bribing officials, and adulterating food.
- [vi-adumbrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/vi-adumbrations.md): The university is shown bowing to wealthy interests, and the government attempts to bribe a labor leader, illustrating institutional corruption.
- [vii-the-bishop-s-vision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/vii-the-bishop-s-vision.md): The Bishop's vision exposes the Church's abandonment of Christ's teachings, as he condemns its pomp and calls for direct action, while the audience and platform leaders treat his radical Christianity as heresy.
- [x-the-vortex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/x-the-vortex.md): The Post Office, the press, and even the pulpit are co-opted to serve the interests of the Oligarchy, while the employers' associations betray labor.
- [xi-the-great-adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/xi-the-great-adventure.md): The courts and legal system are shown as tools of the Oligarchy, enabling the theft of Cunningham's property and threatening his freedom.
- [xii-the-bishop](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/xii-the-bishop.md): The Bishop, a church leader, is institutionalized for following Christ's teachings, showing how societal institutions punish true charity.
- [xiii-the-general-strike](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/xiii-the-general-strike.md): The courts are in the hands of the Oligarchy, the churches are whipped into line against socialism, and labor unions are defeated, showing institutional corruption.

## Links

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