This quote from Upton Sinclair's *The Jungle* reflects the overarching themes of despair and the struggle for survival that permeate the novel. Jurgis, the protagonist, is depicted as being in a constant state of anxiety and foreboding. The "dark shadow" symbolizes the relentless hardships and dangers that accompany his search for work and a better life. This shadow represents not only the socio-economic challenges faced by immigrants and the