As Jurgis and his family struggle to survive, their lives unravel through a series of tragedies. Eventually, Jurgis becomes homeless and turns to political activism after discovering socialism, which Sinclair presents as a hopeful alternative.

 The river  As Jurgis and his family struggle to survive, their lives unravel through a series of tragedies. Eventually, Jurgis becomes homeless and turns to political activism after discovering socialism, which Sinclair presents as a hopeful alternative.