Austin Chapter
Reader's Guide
April 2002
Twenty Years at Hull-House
by Jane Addams
- What did you like and dislike about Jane's story (1860-1935)? Does it help to compare her memoir with others we have read?
- What were some of the influences on Jane that made the Hull-House experiment a natural for her?
- How did Jane view her religion and how did it help her achieve her goals for Hull-House?
- How did Jane view democracy (who inspired her as its exemplar) and what part did democratic values play in the Hull-House Settlement?
- Would you call Jane a thinker or a feeler, and/or both (examples)?
- What were some of Jane's feelings towards the arts and culture?
- What was Jane's approach to the diverse cultures of the immigrants she helped?
- Jane did not marry. Looking at the chapter entitled, "Problems of Poverty," which includes poor single mothers, what is Jane's take on women abused and neglected by husbands? Does it surprise you?
- Did any one pick up Jane's vignette where Hull-House provides a two-week vacation for several women living at the Poor House? The story reminds me of Story Circle's commitment to and support of women, especially us older ones!
- Jane respected the gallantry of the poor. Can you share with us your favorites of her tact and consideration for them?
- Jane was one of the arbitrators for the Pullman strike, a violent standoff between labor and capital. Here (page 143), she writes, "The entire strike demonstrated . . . ." What do these observations tell us about Jane? Do Jane's observations have relevance for us?
- Do you feel the Nobel Prize for Peace was appropriately given to Jane in 1931? What of every woman do you see in her? From where came her strength and her weakness, if any? In sum, what has she said to you?