The Jungle Lesson Plan

What occupies the family's time and energy the most, and how does this relate to their growth or lack thereof as individuals and as a family?

Students should discuss the jobs the members of the family have, observing the long hours and low pay. Very little narration in the text deals with domestic affairs, which may be a sign that Jurgis and his family they spend little time at home all together. Discussion should mention unemployment, observing that they are constantly looking for work if they happen to not be working, which is directly related to the low wages they make even when they do have jobs. The characters have little time to explore or develop other interests....