In these last chapters fire played a major role. The women in the novel are standing up for themselves and are trying to survive but are destroying things in the process and getting into even more trouble. In the discussion today someone used the phrase "fighting fire with fire" which is exactly what they are doing.
This tactic does lead to the downfall of the rebellion and it also emphasizes that the colonizers have the resources and are willing to waste them. Everyone is scrounging to find food and the water has been cut off. People can live without food for a few days but water is essential for life. When the women follow Rama to the officials office they are surrounded and sprayed with high pressure fire hoses. These people have been starving and cannot find water anywhere and yet the colonizers are willing to use this precious water to teach them a lesson. During this process one woman dies and it seems that the end is near for the strike and the suffering.
In chapter 10 I was confused as to why this chapter was even included. I felt that it added nothing to the story and we did not need to have anymore characters. At this point in the novel we know people are starving and that there is suffering all around. I felt that this chapter should have been cut or moved to the beginning of the novel.
I agree with what you said about chapter 10. I don't think that "S" (I don't remember his name) had much importance and I really didn't understand the point in him being mentioned. We already have so many names to remember.........................................
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