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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The bosses at the slaughterhouses cheat the men by ________ their hours of work.

2. What is Marija's job?

3. What happened to the boy Stanislovas with the broken off ears?

4. Who is the character in charge of the wedding?

5. What does Jurgis become a part of in response to the action in #40?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Jurgis overcome with worry over?

2. What causes Marija to lose her job again?

3. What does the family learn they must also pay on their home?

4. What is the Lithuanian family in the first chapter traveling to?

5. What happens at Marija's job at the beef trimming factory?

6. Why can't Jurgis' father find work?

7. Which character could be described as young, strong, and full of optimism?

8. Why does Jurgis get his job back at Brown's?

9. Why can't any people pay off the 'new' houses they have bought?

10. What holiday occurs during the time that Jurgis is in jail?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of not being able to speak English is one that hurts Jurgis and his family in the beginning of their time in the US. Describe three situations in which knowing English would have helped Jurgis and his family. What are some ways that the packing plant owners took advantage of the workers because of the language barrier? Do you think it was fair of the packers to take advantage of the workers? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Jurgis has a motto of "I will work harder." Does this attitude ever help Jurgis? Describe how. List at least two situations in which this positive attitude does not help Jurgis? Do you think this is a good motto to live by? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The depressing surroundings are horrendous to live in as the family begins to find work in Chicago. Describe this setting and why it's so deplorable. How does the house affect the family? What are some things that occur as a result of the living conditions? Should this house have been inhabited by people? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 640 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample