1. Old World Traditions vs. American Pragmatism:
* Older Generation: The older Lithuanian immigrants, like Ona's parents, cling to traditional customs and rituals. They emphasize family ties, religious observance, and the importance of a proper wedding feast. However, they are struggling to adapt to the harsh realities of American life, feeling disillusioned and exploited.
* Younger Generation: Ona and Jurgis are more pragmatic. They are young and ambitious, dreaming of a better life in America. While they still honor their heritage, they are more readily embracing American practices like the consumption of alcohol and the more casual atmosphere of the feast. This is especially evident when Jurgis gets drunk and disrupts the traditional Lithuanian wedding ceremony.
2. Cultural Clash and Assimilation:
* Older Generation: The older generation finds it difficult to assimilate into American culture. They struggle with the language barrier, feel isolated from their community, and are deeply affected by the exploitation they experience in the meatpacking industry.
* Younger Generation: The younger generation is more open to assimilation. They are eager to learn English, adopt American customs, and build a new life in America. However, they are also experiencing the harsh realities of the industrial world, which exposes them to poverty, violence, and despair.
3. Lost Innocence and Disillusionment:
* Older Generation: The older generation still holds onto the idealized notion of America as a land of opportunity, even though they have experienced the harsh realities of life in the meatpacking industry.
* Younger Generation: The younger generation is losing their innocence as they encounter poverty, exploitation, and the realities of their parents' struggles. They are starting to question the promises of American life and are disillusioned by the harshness of the American Dream.
4. The Impact of American Consumerism:
* Older Generation: The older generation is more focused on traditional values and the struggle for survival. They don't fully embrace the materialistic aspects of American culture.
* Younger Generation: The younger generation is being exposed to the lure of consumerism and the promises of material wealth. While they might not be able to afford the luxury items they desire, they are still influenced by the American culture of consumption.
5. The Lost Connection to the Old Country:
* Older Generation: The older generation is still connected to their Lithuanian heritage, though they are struggling to maintain their cultural identity.
* Younger Generation: The younger generation is starting to lose touch with their Lithuanian roots. They are more focused on building a new life in America and are less attached to the traditions of their homeland.
Overall: While "The Jungle" doesn't explicitly focus on generational contrasts at Ona's wedding feast, it highlights how the immigrant experience, particularly in the harsh realities of industrial America, creates a divide between the older and younger generations. The older generation, rooted in traditional values and struggling with assimilation, often clashes with the younger generation's desire for a better life in America, which involves embracing new opportunities and adapting to American ways.