The term naif is used in literature to describe a naive character who in the course of the story becomes wise of the world. What evidence is there in this chapter that Jurgis is an example of this classic literary type?

So America was a place of which lovers and young people dreamed. If one could only manage to get the price of passage, he could count his troubles at an end.

The Jungle, 27.

This quote is Sinclair's depiction of the naïve belief by poor European immigrants who come to America. These immigrants, according to Sinclair, are tricked into the beliefs that they can find steady work, high wages, and a comfortable life in America. Sinclair is careful not to portray his characters as greedy, but only as average people looking for decency in their life. Jurgis follows this archetype.