Book 2: Chapter 9 Summary

Jim relates the social situation of how so many young men are attracted to the country girls who come to town to work. These girls are described as hardworking, vigorous, and healthy. In comparison, the town girls are described as being pretty, but remaining indoors and not very physically fit. However, these town girls consider themselves refined while the country girls are not. In the end, the immigrant girls who work hard become a benefit to their family in that they help get their fathers out of debt and usually marry a neighbor of their own nationality. Eventually, these girls run some of the most successful farms. In the meantime, the American farmers do not let their daughters work and do not pay off their debts as quickly. Jim says, "I always knew I should live long enough to see my...