Chapter+23

In the fall, Jurgis returns to Chicago with fifteen dollars hidden in his shoe. He is wiser now than he was before. He no longer falls for the false advertisements in the newspaper and he gives a false name when offered a job. He gets a job building tunnels for what he is told is telephone wires. The tunnels are actually being built for underground freight tunnel so packers can destroy the teamsters union. Jurgis is oblivious to this fact, and is just happy to have the work. The work is hazardous and Jurgis is seriously injured in an accident. He wakes up in a hospital. He leaves after two weeks, although he is still weak and unable to work. He has very little money, no coat, an injured arm, and no shelter. The weather is terribly cold, so Jurgis enters a religious revival meeting to keep warm. Here the preacher's talk of saving souls angers him immensely. After the meeting, Jurgis pays to stay at a lodging house. After six days, Jurgis is completely broke and must beg to survive. Even in begging, Jurgis is outdone by other beggars, who draw more sympathy and therefore make more money. Page 223- "Poor Jurgis might have...and scientific professionalism." Even begging is made into a "career," with people who dress up the part and make money off of it.
 * Chapter Number: 23**
 * Brief Description of the Plot:**
 * Characters in the Chapter:** Jurgis
 * Notable Passages (Including Page Number):** Page 215- "He was careful to keep...when he got a job." Jurgis does not want a girlfriend or wife because of the cost.