The strike itself is a potent symbol of what can be achieved when individuals unite for a common cause. Ousmane masterfully portrays how the workers, despite their diverse backgrounds and internal differences, come together, finding strength in their shared struggle. The novel highlights the essential role of community, solidarity, and collective bargaining in the face of oppression.

While the strike is sparked by the men of the railway, Ousmane gives equal weight to the women who emerge as pillars of strength and resistance. Faced with hunger, uncertainty, and the need to protect their families, these women evolve into leaders, strategists, and symbols of hope. Their journeys challenge traditional gender roles, showcasing their resilience and highlighting the vital role they play in the fight for liberation.

Through vivid descriptions of the workers' living conditions, their treatment by the French authorities, and the stark contrast between the lives of the colonized and the colonizers, Ousmane lays bare the brutal realities of colonialism. The novel serves as a powerful indictment of the exploitation, racism, and systematic dehumanization inflicted upon the African people, fueling the flames of their resistance.