How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"You mention the word 'co-operative' to the merchants and they'll lynch you! The one thing they fear more than mail-order houses is that farmers' co-operative movements may get started." (11.5.11)
Carol talks about the possibility that the farmers of her area can get together and create their own co-operative stores and companies. But Vida Sherwin warns her never to say the word co-operative among the men of Gopher Prairie, who are terrified that the farmers are going to get organized in order to get more bargaining power with the merchants in town. None of the merchants wants to see that happen. The merchants would rather play the farmers against each other in order to drive down the prices of their goods.