1) Review the photograph section at the beginning,
2) Read the Introduction, the concluding chapter XXV and two other chapters of your choice with a review of the key arguments.
3) Describe how the book reflects living conditions of the times and your understanding of how social reform measures sought to improve the lot of the underclass.
Full Answer Section
The book is divided into two parts. The first part, "The Children of the Poor," describes the lives of children in the slums. Riis shows how children were often forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions, and how they were exposed to disease and crime. He also describes the lack of education and recreation opportunities for children in the slums.
The second part of the book, "The Tenements," describes the living conditions in the tenements, the overcrowded and unsanitary apartment buildings where most of the poor lived. Riis shows how the tenements were breeding grounds for disease, and how they contributed to the high rates of infant mortality and crime among the poor.
Riis's book was a powerful indictment of the social conditions of the time. It helped to raise awareness of the problems faced by the poor, and it led to some important social reforms. For example, Riis's photographs were instrumental in the passage of the Tenement House Act of 1901, which improved the safety and sanitation of tenements.
The social reform measures that were sought to improve the lot of the underclass in the late 19th century can be divided into two main categories:
structural reforms and
individual reforms.
- Structural reforms were designed to change the physical and social environment of the slums. This included measures such as improving sanitation, providing better housing, and creating more opportunities for education and recreation.
- Individual reforms were designed to change the behavior of the poor. This included measures such as promoting temperance, encouraging thrift, and providing religious instruction.
Both structural and individual reforms were seen as necessary to improve the lives of the poor. However, there was disagreement about which approach was more effective. Some reformers believed that structural reforms were the most important, while others believed that individual reforms were the key to lasting change.
In the end, both structural and individual reforms were needed to improve the lives of the poor. Structural reforms created a more supportive environment for the poor, while individual reforms helped the poor to develop the skills and values they needed to succeed.
I believe that
How the Other Half Lives is an important book because it provides a glimpse into a world that most people would never see. It is a reminder of the importance of social reform, and it shows how even small changes can make a big difference in the lives of the poor.
I also believe that the book is still relevant today. Although the living conditions of the poor have improved since Riis's time, there are still many people who live in poverty. The book's message of social reform is still important, and it can help us to create a more just and equitable society.