Chapter+28

Jurgis is in court, and he defends himself by telling the judge he was at the brothel looking for his sister. Jurgis is let off and the madame of the brothel pays off the fines for the girls. Later, in Marija’s room, Jurgis discovers that Marija is a morphine addict. Marija depicts the horrible life that many girls live, with prostitution and drug addictions. Marija gives Jurgis Elzbieta's new address and tells him to go there, and that everyone will be fine with him coming back. Jurgis leaves the brothel but does not want to return to Elzbieta without a job. Jurgis looks for work, and stumbles upon a political meeting. Jurgis falls asleep during the speech, but is not kicked out for falling asleep. A lady wakes him and calles him "comrade," which greatly surprises Jurgis. Soon Jurgis too is caught up in the speech and is deeply affected by it. The speaker is a socialist, and Jurgis totally connects with the speaker. This man talks of the injustice the workers have suffered and tells them that they have the power to change their situation. When the workers rise up, they will be able to overthrow their oppressors. The speaker causes Jurgis to have hope, and Jurgis feels energized by the words of this man. Page 289- "Jurgis was more startled...him 'comrade'." Lady calls Jurgis "comrade," and he is greatly surprised with this. Page 296- "And Jurgis was with them...By God!" Speaker portrays his message so well that Jurgis feels the energy and change in the air.
 * Chapter Number: 28**
 * Brief Description of the Plot:**
 * Characters in the Chapter:** Jurgis, Marija, Teta Elzbieta, Socialist Speaker
 * Notable Passages (Including Page Number):** Page 285- "That's the way they keep...had hired out for housework." Misuse and mistreatment of young female workers. Taken advantage of and put into a terrible life cycle.