Chapter 6 in The Jungle

In this chapter, the poor family finds out that they have to pay interest on the money that they have borrowed on top of the $12 a month that they already had thought they were paying. They were very upset but it was in the contract. It is difficult to understand coming from a world that does not understand interest. In our world of credit cards, we understand interest very well (hopefully). So anyway, the family has to have the oldest boy go and work to pay the extra interest on the house. He has to be some sort of lard can operator. He is going to make about $9 a month so that covers their interest on the house loan. Then Jurgis and Ona go back to planning their wedding. They know it will cost them at least $200 to throw their wedding even though they believe that they will get it back at the Lithuanian money dance. Weddings are expensive no matter who you are! I got married for about $5000. My brother is getting married and their budget is $7500 and that is a low budget! How much did your wedding cost and do you have any good tips on keeping costs down?

Have a good night and stay safe! Any thoughts on the story so far?

Chapter 5

It's hard to understand the awe that the family experienced when they realized that they had finally bought their own home when you live in my life. I'm not rich by American standards, by any means. My book obsession pretty much takes up the spending money we have out of $18,000 a year for four people, but my parents owned their own home when I was growing up and I fully expect to after I get out of law school. So to me, the idea of never even dreaming about what kind of house you are going to have or where you are going to live is so far outside my realm of possibility. What are your dreams for your house in the future?

Also, Jurgis has his first experience with the unions in this chapter. What is your experience with unions today? Obviously it was an invaluable tool in history to advocate for better rights for workers, but do you think they are outdated?

Finally, everyone is telling Jurgis how much they hate their jobs. What was the worst job you ever had?

Have a good night and stay safe. I'm sorry that it's been so long since I've written, but the kids and the holidays and school have kept me crazy.