History 476

Devine

Fall 2013

 

Study Questions for Jane Addams, The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets”

 

  1. Why does Addams believe that “organizing work and failing to organize play” is a “stupid experiment” that has “brought about a fine revenge?”  Why should play be “organized”?

 

  1. According to Addams, why, in the modern city, has youth’s natural urge to “seek pleasure” led to the pursuit and spread of vice?

 

  1. Why does Addams see the prevalence of urban commercial amusements as a social problem?

 

  1. What distinguished the new dance halls from the old dances “on the village green”?  Why does Addams prefer the old setting?

 

  1. Why does Addams dislike modern music?

 

  1. Why does Addams believe reformers focusing on improving recreation should “take a page from the philosophy of the Greeks”?

 

  1. Do you see any similarities between Addams’ views on youth and Randolph Bourne’s?