Ch.+29

Chapter 29 Summary:

After hearing the speech on socialism, Jurgis is very excited about life. Suddenly he feels that he has a purpose, he is able to understand the scenarios and how capitalism works. He feels as though he is part of something, now he knows how he can solve the problems in his life. After the meeting ends, Jurgis stays around and meets the speaker who introduces him to Ostrinski who is Polish but speaks Lithuanian. Ostrinski invites him back to his house after he learns of Jurgis’s condition. Jurgis sleeps on the kitchen floor at Ostrinski’s house and learns that Ostriniski is not that well of either. He has three kids and barely has enough money to support them. By seeing Ostrinski barely even being able to support himself, Sinclair is pointing out the failures of a capitalistic society. Jurgis learns more about socialism and how the group was organizing itself. There were representatives in every area that would gather people in groups for the cause. Jurgis is happy to meet new people with goals the same as his and also be able to understand what has kept him from succeeding in America.

Characters: -Jurgis -Speaker -Ostrinski

Key Quotes:

“He would no longer be the sport of circumstances, he would be a man, with a will and a purpose, he would have something to fight for, something to die for, if need be!”(330).

“The thing was not to talk, but to do, the thing was to get hold of others and rouse them, to organize and prepare them for the fight!”(330).

“It was long after midnight when Jurgis lay down upon the floor of Ostrinski’s kitchen, and yet it was an hour before he could get to sleep, for the glory of that joyful vision of the people of Packingtown marching in and taking possession of the Union Stockyards!”(338).