The Jungle

Jurgis remains in Chicago, but what little money he has left is soon exhausted. By the time he finally secures a job, he’s so weak from malnourishment that he’s quickly fired. He is eventually reduced to rummaging through trash cans to feed himself.

As the weather turns cold, Jurgis sees an indoor political rally underway. He rushes inside to get out of the rain but drifts off while the candidate is speaking and is thrown out. Walking on, Jurgis approaches a well-dressed woman to beg for money and is stunned to realize that she’s a former Packingtown acquaintance. Alena explains that she’s “got a good place” and directs him to Marija’s lodgings (321), saying that she’ll be able to help him.

Jurgis arrives at the address Alena provided him with: a “large brownstone house of aristocratic appearance” (322). The woman who answers the door is reluctant to allow Jurgis in, but just as Jurgis turns to leave, the police arrive and throw the entire house—which he now realizes is a brothel—into chaos. While the police are busy rounding people up, Jurgis suddenly spots Marija wearing only a dressing gown and stockings.

Marija explains that she’s been at the brothel for a year.