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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. What kind of job do the kids get?

2. What does Jurgis understand for the first time as part of the union?

3. What is the reason Antanas can not find work?

4. Who is also going to have to go to work, besides Ona?

5. What barrier does not stand in the way of Jurgis getting a job?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who does Marija fall in love with?

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

4. What does Jurgis begin to do in order to deal with the horrors of his situation?

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

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

7. What begins to happen to Ona in this chapter?

8. How do Ona and Jurgis furnish their 'new' home?

9. Why does Jurgis beat up Conner?

10. What is the problem when Jurgis shows up for his first day of work?

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

The idea of the union seems to be a good one for the workers, but does it ever help the workers? How? Why do you think the union fails in some of their efforts? Why do you think Jurgis ignores the call to strike? In today's world, unions seem to do more good, but do you think they are helpful to workers? Why or why not? In what ways can they harm the working environment?

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 691 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample