In this chapter, Ostrinski teaches Jurgis and the reader, about socialism. How does Ostrinski define the competitive wage system?
During the process of defining socialism to Jurgis, Ostrinski explain that the Proletariat are kept in slavery by those who exploit their work. The Socialist Party is the largest political organization in the world and that they are organizing to return the workingman to world power. They are a true democratic organization, meaning that they have no bosses or leaders.
2. Why does Ostrinski believe the proletariat are doomed to slavery?
Ostrinski believe the proletariat are doomed to slavery because the proletariat are occupied with paying their debts. Most compensated specialists would think them as slaves, just
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How does Elzbieta feel about Jurgis’ new-found socialism?
Elzbieta felt skeptical about Jurgis’ new-found socialism, but decides that anything that keeps Jurgis away from drink and makes him industrious is worth it. Jurgis begins looking for a job and fortunately comes to find one in a hotel as a porter. “Anything, sir,” said Jurgis, and added quickly, “I’ve been out of work for a long time, sir. I’m an honest man, and I’m strong and willing--” (340).
2. How does Jurgis try to correct some of the mistakes of his past, before he embraced Socialism?
Jurgis try to correct some of the mistakes of his past by spending all his time and his money on spreading the Socialist cause, though he does occasionally fall into old habits of drink.
3. What evidence is there in this chapter that the socialist movement in Packingtown is beginning to make a difference?
The socialist movement in Packingtown is beginning to make a difference starting from Jurgis, who meets and hears a number of famous socialist speakers and writers. He also hears a young author from California that had made a fortune selling books, but that had never ceased to fight for the people in poverty. Additionally, Jurgis and the Socialist Party members started to distribute flyers and pamphlets telling the people of Packingtown what they can do to fight the Beef Trust when their strike fails. Jurgis is like a trojan who work to improve the lives of working
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Most critics believe that this chapter is a vehicle for Sinclair to continue his socialist propaganda. Jurgis’ life struggle, which the reader has been following for 300 pages, is put aside to discuss the philosophy of socialism. After debating the issue, the men in the room agree on two propositions which define socialism. State these two propositions.
First proposition stated, “Socialist believes in the common ownership and democratic management of the means of producing the necessities of life.”(330) Second proposition stated, “Socialist believes that the means by which this is to be brought about is the class conscious political organization of the wage-earners."