Question

"What made all this the more painful was that it was so hard on the few that had really done their best. There was poor old ponas Jokubas, for instance—he had already given five dollars, and did not every one know that Jokubas Szedvilas had just mortgaged his delicatessen store for two hundred dollars to meet several months' overdue rent? And then there was withered old poni Aniele—who was a widow, and had three children, and the rheumatism besides, and did washing for the tradespeople on Halsted Street at prices it would break your heart to hear named. Aniele had given the entire profit of her chickens for several months."

Which aspect of the historical context is most present in this passage from the novel?

Answer 1

The aspect of the historical context most present in this passage from the novel is the economic hardships faced by working-class individuals during that time. It highlights the struggles of individuals like ponas Jokubas and poni Aniele, who were already financially burdened and yet still made sacrifices to contribute to a cause. This reflects the economic inequality and poverty prevalent during the time period.