Podcast
Questions and Answers
How old is Mike Dorbrejcak?
How old is Mike Dorbrejcak?
25
At the beginning of Part 2 Chapter 1, what year is it?
At the beginning of Part 2 Chapter 1, what year is it?
1900
How long has Dorbrejcak been in America?
How long has Dorbrejcak been in America?
11 years
Where does Dorbrejcak work?
Where does Dorbrejcak work?
How much does Dorbrejcak earn an hour?
How much does Dorbrejcak earn an hour?
Who is Mike's younger brother?
Who is Mike's younger brother?
Who does Carnegie sell his steel plants to?
Who does Carnegie sell his steel plants to?
What corporation is formed after the sale of the steel plants?
What corporation is formed after the sale of the steel plants?
What does the new corporation not tolerate?
What does the new corporation not tolerate?
Who does Mike Dorbrejcak marry?
Who does Mike Dorbrejcak marry?
Who is John Joseph?
Who is John Joseph?
Who votes for the first time in Part 2 Chapter 5?
Who votes for the first time in Part 2 Chapter 5?
At the beginning of Part 2 Chapter 6, who gives Mary lessons about running a boarding house?
At the beginning of Part 2 Chapter 6, who gives Mary lessons about running a boarding house?
Who visits Mary and Mike in the spring?
Who visits Mary and Mike in the spring?
Why are some of the company's workers fired during the election year?
Why are some of the company's workers fired during the election year?
For what party does Mike vote in the election?
For what party does Mike vote in the election?
What do some men do when they lose their jobs?
What do some men do when they lose their jobs?
How many boarders live with Mike and Mary?
How many boarders live with Mike and Mary?
What do Mike and Mary decide about their boarding business?
What do Mike and Mary decide about their boarding business?
Who is Agnes?
Who is Agnes?
At the end of Part 2 Chapter 10, where are Mike and Mary living?
At the end of Part 2 Chapter 10, where are Mike and Mary living?
What makes Mike and Mary happy about their boarding business decision?
What makes Mike and Mary happy about their boarding business decision?
What are Mike and Mary missing at the end of Part 2 Chapter 10?
What are Mike and Mary missing at the end of Part 2 Chapter 10?
In what state are Mike and Mary's finances at the end of Part 2 Chapter 10?
In what state are Mike and Mary's finances at the end of Part 2 Chapter 10?
At the beginning of Part 2 Chapter 11, who does Mike plan on meeting later for a drink?
At the beginning of Part 2 Chapter 11, who does Mike plan on meeting later for a drink?
What plan does Mary have to help with finances?
What plan does Mary have to help with finances?
What is the steel mill indicating to workers during mid-term elections?
What is the steel mill indicating to workers during mid-term elections?
What is provided to the workers by the steel mill on election day?
What is provided to the workers by the steel mill on election day?
Which candidate is Mike's choice in the election?
Which candidate is Mike's choice in the election?
What political party does Mike's candidate represent?
What political party does Mike's candidate represent?
What does Mike expect to happen after he votes?
What does Mike expect to happen after he votes?
What happens to Mike after the election?
What happens to Mike after the election?
Why does George collect accident compensation?
Why does George collect accident compensation?
Who is Mary baking a birthday cake for in Part 1 Chapter 5?
Who is Mary baking a birthday cake for in Part 1 Chapter 5?
Who breaks the news to Mary about Mike's death?
Who breaks the news to Mary about Mike's death?
Study Notes
Character and Setting Details
- Mike Dorbrejcak is 25 years old and has been in America for 11 years.
- He works at a mill earning 14 cents an hour.
- Mike is married to Mary and they have a son named John Joseph and a daughter named Agnes.
Timeline and Historical Context
- The narrative begins in 1900, marking significant events in the lives of immigrants and workers in America.
- Mike votes for the first time in Part 2, Chapter 5, participating in the democratic process.
Company and Political Affiliations
- Carnegie sells his steel plants to JP Morgan, leading to the formation of U.S. Steel Corp, which does not tolerate unions.
- During election years, workers may be fired for not adhering to company voting directives.
Personal Struggles and Decisions
- Mike and Mary decide to end their boarding business, expressing happiness about being alone, despite missing the income it provided.
- At the end of Part 2, Chapter 10, Mike and Mary live in Washington and are utilizing their savings.
Political Engagement
- Mike votes for the Republican Party, but his preferred candidate, Eugene Debs, represents the Socialist Party.
- The steel mill tries to influence worker voting by providing sample ballots on election day.
Events Following the Election
- Mike expects to be fired after voting for Debs but continues to receive his usual pay.
- George, a character in the story, experiences a fracture and collects accident compensation, highlighting workplace hazards.
Relationships and Community
- Dorta provides Mary with lessons on managing a boarding house, showing the importance of mentorship in their community.
- George visits Mike and Mary, serving as a connection between characters, especially during difficult times.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of key facts from 'Out of This Furnace'. This quiz covers important details about the characters and events from the book, focusing particularly on the early life of Mike Dorbrejcak. Perfect for students preparing for discussions or exams.
