The novel was published in 1960, just before Senegal became independent. It is based on a famous railroad strike which occurred in 1947-48. The novel focuses on the late stages of French colonialism. Sembene writes a dramatic and compelling story about the strike. He also uses it to make economic, political, and cultural points, as well, in support of Senegal's struggle against the French and labor's struggle with management. The novel will seem familiar in form …showed first 75 words of 1348 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1348 total… for anyone"? (196) * Bakayoko often said: "The kind of man we were is dead, and our only hope for a new life lies in the machine, which knows neither a language nor a race." What does he mean? * Niakoro says (p. 88) that "our world is falling apart." (An allusion to Achebe?) Fa Keita replies: "No woman; it was your son who said, 'Our world is opening up.'" What is the point of this exchange?