about the hog except the squeal,” (The Jungle, pg. 38). Jurgis quickly gets a job, on the cattle killing beds. The other members of the family soon find jobs, except for the children. They are put in schools. Jurgis and Ona decide that they want a home because they do not like where they are staying now. They arrange to see one of the houses. They like the house and buy it. Although they do not really know what the contract says, Elzbieta signs the contract. At first, Jurgis was pleased with the job but soon learns that corruption, dishonesty, and bribery plague America. He is forced to work at high speeds for long hours with low pay, and so is the rest of the family. He is cheated out of his money several times. Him and Ona find out that their house is 15 years old and not worth what they paid for it. This woman also tells them that they have to pay interest on the mortgage. Jurgis never knew about this. Now they are faced with even more bills. The children must leave school and go to work to help the family survive. This means they will never receive the education they need to rise above this. Ona is not permitted to take a holiday, even for her own wedding. Jurgis begins to realize that even a physically strong man, willing to work hard, can be beaten by the system. Eventually his luck runs out and Jurgis is injured on the job. His foot swells and he no other choice but to lay in and wait until his foot heals. Ironically, he is free to enjoy the company of his son only when he is laid off from work. In just a few years after immigrating to the country, he is brutalized by circumstances to the point of ruin. His once mighty stature has been reduced to ruble, and looks worn and unhappy. After two months of waiting, with bills piling up, Jurgis goes back to work to find his job filled by another man. Due to his large house payment and the need to eat, Jurgis takes the worst possible job in Packingtown, the G...
