Part of the American Dream is that you can give the next generation (which could be your kids, grandkids, younger siblings) a better life than you had. At this early point in the book, chapter 4 to be specific, Jurgis totally buys into that. Even if he has to work his behind off to keep Teta, Elzbieta, and Ona in the house or from working, he will do it. Even if he has to work overtime or work hard all day, every day, he will make sure that Stanislovas and the rest of the children get to go to school. He wants to be on the top of the American social ladder with hard work and personal sacrifice, which is the entire purpose of the American Dream. Under what conditions could Jurgis and his family have achieved their wishes for a better life an