The story begins at the wedding of Jurgis and Ona. The Lithuanian immigrants at the wedding are excited at the prospect of working and providing for their large family. None of the guests, who are also poor immigrants, leave money toward the large reception at the saloon, and the couple soon finds that they owe a great deal of money for the party. Jurgis optimistically says that he will work hard to pay for it, and begins to search for work in Packingtown, the meatpacking area of Chicago where most of the immigrants live and work.
Jurgis's new job is disgusting and harsh, but various members of the family, including Ona's cousin, Marija, and her step-uncle, Jonas, join Jurgis in getting jobs. Ona's stepmother, Teta Elzbieta, stays at home to care for the family. The family buys a dilapidated house that they cannot really afford, and more family members, including Jurgis's father, Dede Antanas, must find work to keep up with expenses. The harsh conditions lead to the death of Antanas.