The Jungle

Yet, they purchased the house and found out that they were only renting the house until the house was paid for. If they were to fall behind on payments, they would get evicted. They were not also informed of the interest charges, taxes and other charges that occur with a house. At first Jurgis was upset, but he had a job and he had part of the American dream so he was fine.
             Jurgis and Ona finally marry. Yet, the wedding puts them in debt. Ona finds a job in the canning department. She was overjoyed because all day long she would see starving and poor people come to the stockyards with no jobs available. Jurgis was determined that his family would not be homeless and starving.
             Jurgis starting going to union meetings and learning English. He learns of the injuries and disease in the work place and that the meat companies sell diseased meat. A man helps Jurgis become a United States citizen and to vote in the election. The man tells him what to mark on the ballot and Jurgis is given two dollars. Jurgis is swindled again. He became part of the corrupt politicians that take advantage of the common laborers for the wealth of the capitalists.
             Ona gave birth to a baby boy named Antanas. But, misfortune falls upon the family again. Jurgis sprains his ankle and cannot work for several months. The rest of the family is stricken with numerous illnesses. Teta's son dies after eating bad meat. Jonas disappears. They don't know if died at work or just left. Life just seems to be a mere survival.
             Jurgis wants his family to know the secrets of the meatpacking industry. The most spoiled meat becomes sausages. The companies sell diseased meats to American households. Diseased meat is put with the other meats for packing so many go unchecked.
             One night Ona does not come home. She informs Jurgis that Connor, her boss, had raped her and threatened to have everyone in the family be fired if she said anything. Jurgis goes to Ona's work and attacks Connor.