Ch.+9+-+Billy

A2 Billy Gendell Ch. 9

//Chapter Summary-// After a number of union meetings Jurgis comes to the realization that he wants and needs to learn English. He thought that if he learned English he could become a bigger player in the meetings, and actually understand what is going on and contribute to them. The children who attended school taught him a little bit, and a friend loaned him a book which Ona read to him. Jurgis wanted to read for himself so he attended a free night school. There he learned to speak and write and a couple other things on the side if time permitted. The union made him more aware of the world around him. He became interested in democracy. Jurgis was taken advantage of by one of the night gaurds. He convinced Jurgis to become a citizen, then paid Jurgis to vote for the guy he was told to vote for. When he told the union what happened they explained to him he was taken advantage of. In this chapter we are introduced to local politician Mike Scully, and how he has even more say than the Mayor. We are told how he owns everything and how he set up his own monopoly. We also learn about “bubbly creek”, the arm of the Chicago River where all the waste is dumped, and how gross that is. We also learn in further detail about the diseased meats sold in state and how there is no rule about selling those bad meats in state. They just give it a different name and it is sold like it is fine and healthy.

//Characters-//
 * Jurgis-** learns English and is exploited in this chapter. Learns the secrets of the business he is in. religiously attends union meetings.
 * Ona-** reads to Jurgis when he is unable to do so.
 * Union****-** Help Jurgis out, teaches him how not to be exploited and what the secrets are of the business.
 * Mike Scully-** Local politician, created monopoly. The “Boss” of Chicago.

//Themes-// - The more time Jurgis spends there the harsher things get and the more he is exploited. - The whole union comes into play and acts as a safe haven for Jurgis. - As part o his American dream he learns English and assimilates. - The idea of the “Boss System” comes in effect with Mike Scully, and the how the federal government really does nothing to help out.

//Key Passages-// -“The city inspector of water pipes had been dead and buried for over a year, but someone was still drawing his pay.”(99)