Miguel returns home, covered in dirt, and explains that his job as a mechanic went to one of the inexperienced workers from Oklahoma simply because the "Okie" was willing to accept a lower wage. Esperanza becomes outraged when Miguel tells them that he has agreed to dig ditches instead. Miguel tries to reason with Esperanza, but she runs away from their cabin.
Esperanza is angry. She asks Miguel if he thinks life is better for him in the United States. Miguel defends their decision to move to California because at least there is a possibility for upward mobility. Esperanza shouts at him, telling him that even in the United States, he is a second-class citizen. Miguel retorts by telling Esperanza to stop thinking about herself the "queen" she had been back in Mexico.