How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"They don't want us banding together for higher wages or better housing," said Marta. "The owners think if Mexicans have no hot water, that we won't mind as long as we think no one has any." (6.97)
The farmers pay the workers very little, and the housing that they provide is kind of... well, gross. Marta points out that the farm owners seem to be intentionally keeping information from the workers so that they won't ask for better pay or living conditions.
Quote #2
"Of course I need my job, but if all the workers join together and refuse to work, we might all get better conditions." (6.101)
Marta explains to Esperanza's family the logic of striking. The trouble is, everybody needs to join the strike in order for it to work. But joining the strike is risky because the strikers could lose their jobs. Tough call for Esperanza.
Quote #3
"Is this how we want to live?" She held the kitten by the back of the neck, waving it high in the air. It hung limp in front of the crowd. "With no decent home and at the mercy of those bigger than us, richer than us?" (8.57)
In Marta's opinion, the Mexican workers are as helpless as little kittens. And she's trying to get them to act more like big, powerful wildcats. Grrr.