Chapter 11 Summary

As asparagus season begins, the strikers become public, handing out fliers and painting slogans on buildings. One morning, when Esperanza, Hortensia, and Josefina are ready to go the fields, they find a man with a gun, who is there to protect them and the truck. Arriving at the worksite they are met by many women who yell for them to strike and help them band together, so all can benefit from the strike. They know that by slowing down the harvest the young asparagus plants will die from the hot sun that is sure to come soon. However, the three continue to work, as they have no choice.

As the days wear on, the strikers become more aggressive, not only taunting the workers but also sabotaging some of the asparagus bundles with snakes, rats, and sharp objects.

The women learn the men in...