The Jungle Study Guide

The story begins by introducing a Lithuanian family en route to a family wedding reception being held in the Chicago stockyards (a wedding reception is called a veselija in Lithuania.) The character of Marija, who is in charge of details for her cousin's marriage, is introduced first. She is a tough woman, and as she scurries around making last-minute preparations, the sixteen year-old bride, Ona, makes her appearance. Ona has just married Jurgis, who is as tall and broad as Ona is small and delicate-boned. (read more)