Experiences of an Italian Immigrant Woman

The Depression of 1893 was an economic crisis that was experienced by people in different ways, depending on their income and social status. Rosa Cavalleri, an Italian immigrant woman living in Chicago during this time faced extreme poverty, deprivation and misery. Yet, in spite of her suffering, she managed to survive with her spirit intact. Her struggle to survive was greatly aided by the Chicago Commons Settlement House that supported her in several ways during her bitter struggles. This paper will discuss Rosa's suffering, and also the motives of the Settlement House workers with regard to whether she was in any way demeaned by their assistance. Issues of economic position in society, life style, prestige, respect and power will also be briefly discussed in relation to Rosa's relationship with the Settlement House.

Like many other very poor families, Rosa and her family were often on the brink of starvation, especially during the extremely cold winter months. "Pretty soon after the World's Fair�there came such a hard time�.Oh, that was a terrible, terrible poor time! There was no work; the men couldn't stay in Chicago. So Giionin (Rosa's husband) he went away too�." (210). "Me and my children froze to death walking. But we never even thought we could take that streetcar�.We needed those five cents to eat�.Only the rich people could take the streetcar not us poor people" (204). Rosa gives birth to a child who is sick all the time because of the cold, and who dies when

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Category: Psychology - E