Some readers have difficulty accepting Ona's actions and overall show of strength. For most of the novel she is depicted as being frail and alone. She is the one who Jurgis must protect and care for — a member of the fairer sex who needs a man to provide for her. She's presented in contrast to Marija, who is a strong woman. Ona's actions fit, however, in the greater analogy running throughout the text: In the jungle, a mother fights to the death to protect her young. Ona does what she must — even having an affair with Connor — in an attempt to keep her family employed and therefore fed and sheltered. Even during a time when Ona is being presented as weak and frail, she is actually exhibiting a great strength. It is ironic that the protected, in a way, becomes the protector.
Of course, Ona dies, but before this happens, it is necessary for the system to pressure her into "sexual slavery by her economic masters." Because of the economic slavery, Ona is unable to be an effective wife and mother. This worldview, although consistent with all naturalistic literature, appears in The Jungle to serve Sinclair's purpose of promoting socialism. Ona serves as a negative example for the value of capitalism.
