In Sarah Gruen's novel, Water for Elephants, the character "Uncle Al" plays a very minor but significant role. The character of Uncle Al is truly the backbone of the Benzeni brothers and, essentially, the embodiment of American capitalism. This essay will illustrate how Uncle Al's character reflects the ideology of American capitalism by examining the indifferent relationship he shares with workers and animals, his unregulated business tactics, and the social stratification of his circus. For starters, Uncle Al's main priorities are for the Benzini Brothers' The Most Spectacular Show on Earth to attract as many 'rubs' as possible, to outdo the Ringling Brothers, and to get his performers and animals on stage at all costs. Uncle A attempts to make his circus "the most spectacular show on earth" by creating elaborate and ostentatious shows in the hopes of running out of tickets and filling the bleachers with rubies. Uncle Al's behavior is largely characterized by a capitalist mentality. One of the main goals of capitalism is to create affordable goods for people to purchase. Similarly, the performers and animals of Uncle Al's circus can be identified as commodities because their skills are sold in exchange for entertainment and profit. The Ringling brothers are also seen as the leaders of the circus world and represent stiff competition for Uncle Al's Benzini brothers. For example, before Jacob is first introduced to Uncle Al, Camel warns, "Whatever you do , don't mention Ringling in front of Uncle Al" (Gruen, 2006, p. 52). Uncle Al has an adamant desire for the Benzini Brothers to become the largest circus on the planet, hence the title of his circus: "The BenziniBrother's Most Specta...... middle of paper ....... In words by Uncle Al, “After All…The Show Must Go On.” Works CitedGedicks, A. (2010). Chevron Should Pay for Its Oil Disaster, Too. Headwaters News. feature/chevron-should-pay-for-its-oil-disaster-too/Glenn, T. (2004). Nike's Labor Rights Campaign .org/alerts/1997/nikey001.htmlGruen, S. (2006). Water for Elephants. Toronto, ON: Harper Collins. Harkins, D. (2000). Observer. Retrieved from http://www.proliberty.com/observer/20001204.htmMyers, G.D. (2007). Psychological Inquiry, Vol.18(1), 43-47. (2006). What is capitalism?. World socialism. Retrieved from http://www.worldsocialism.org/articles/what_is_capitalism.php