The Great Divide

It is payday for Omar and the other canal workers. Miller is to dispense the workers’ pay, but he tries to strike a bet with one man rather than giving him his wages outright. He wants the man to complete more work than he typically does on that day to receive his wages. Although the man protests, Miller insists. The man works so hard in the humid heat that he dies. When Omar tries to confront Miller, Miller not only denies his role in the man’s death but also launches into a speech about how good American involvement in Panama has been for the country. He notes that before the canal project, the area was little more than a swamp and that foreigners brought development and economic prosperity to the region. He tells Omar to thank him for the outside help that he represents. Omar will not, and Miller strikes him.

Doña Ruiz is at home drinking tea. She is determined to figure out the source of Francisco’s quarrel with his son Omar. She makes her way to Francisco’s home to speak to him. There, she asks about Omar, and Francisco has a chance to reflect. He realizes the error of his ways and vows to make peace with his son.