Answer:
Prologue:
1. Lena and her family are trying to leave Russia because they are facing persecution and violence due to their Jewish heritage. A pogrom refers to organized and violent attacks against Jewish communities, often carried out by mobs or government-sanctioned forces.
2. Lena goes to NYC instead of her brother Henry because her brother had already immigrated to the United States and was working to establish a stable life there. Lena follows him to reunite with her family and seek better opportunities.
Part 1:
3. Immigrants were asked about their financial resources and job skills to assess their ability to support themselves and contribute to the American society. The authorities wanted to ensure that immigrants would not become a burden on the country and could find employment.
4. A tenement refers to a type of overcrowded and often poorly maintained apartment building, typically found in urban areas. These buildings were common housing options for immigrants, offering small and cramped living spaces.
5. On her way home from Ellis Island, Lena sees the Statue of Liberty, which symbolizes freedom and hope for immigrants, and she meets a young boy named Jacob who helps her navigate the city.
Part 2:
6. A sweatshop is a workplace where workers, often under harsh conditions, perform manual labor for long hours and low wages. Lena works in a sweatshop sewing garments, which was a common occupation for many immigrant women.
7. Lena uses her wages to support her family by sending money back to Russia. The purpose of the ledger is to keep track of the money she sends and the expenses incurred, ensuring transparency and accountability.
8. Lena buys vegetables and meat from local markets or grocery stores. She has special instructions to buy food that is fresh and affordable, as she needs to make the most of her limited income.
9. Two people Lena meets in this section are Mr. Salerno, the owner of the grocery store where she buys food, and Miss Sullivan, a settlement house worker who helps immigrants with various services.
Part 3:
10. A settlement house is a community center that provides various services and support to immigrants and other disadvantaged groups. It offers educational programs, healthcare services, childcare, and assistance with finding employment and housing.
11. The decision to support the family or pursue personal interests varied among individuals. Some immigrants prioritized supporting their families financially, while others sought opportunities to pursue their own interests and establish their independence.
12. Workers in sweatshops and factories faced numerous problems, including long working hours, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and lack of job security. To improve their conditions, workers organized labor unions, went on strikes, and advocated for better rights and protections through collective action and legislative reforms.