After years of hardship and exploitation in the Chicago meatpacking industry, Jurgis had poured all his savings into buying a small house. He believed this purchase was the answer to their prayers, a way to escape the poverty and misery they had endured.
However, Jurgis was illiterate, unable to read the deed himself. He relied on others to interpret the document for him. This lack of literacy made him vulnerable to exploitation, and he was ultimately duped into buying a worthless piece of property.
Here's why Jurgis's desire to hear the deed read was so poignant:
* Hope and desperation: He desperately needed to believe in something better, a future where his family wouldn't suffer.
* Lack of agency: His illiteracy put him at a disadvantage, making him reliant on others and susceptible to manipulation.
* The American Dream: He clung to the idea that owning property symbolized success and security, even though reality painted a different picture.
In the end, Jurgis's experience with the deed highlights the systemic injustices and vulnerabilities faced by immigrants and working-class people in early 20th century America.