Dreaming in Cuban

Lesson 19
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 5

11th Grade

Lesson 19 of 31

Objective


Analyze the relationship between Lourdes and Pilar. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia  pp. 134 – 144 — "Pilar (1976)"

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Question 1

In the context of the passage, “I’ve gone too far,” and “I want to warn her,” mainly serve to show Pilar’s:

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Question 2

Based on the passage, how did the customers react to Pilar’s painting?

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Question 3

Explain the following quote in the context of the passage: “And I, I love my mother very much at that moment.” p. 144

Key Questions


  • Establish narration and setting on p. 134.
  • What does Lourdes think of Pilar’s boyfriend? Rufino?
  • Why does Pilar enjoy Lou Reed? 
  • What is Pilar’s tone when discussing her mother’s job on p. 136?
  • What do we learn about Pilar and Celia on p. 137?
  • Annotate for Pilar’s thoughts on Cuba.
  • What does Lourdes ask of Pilar on p. 138?
  • What are Pilar’s terms of agreement on p. 140?
  • Track details of Pilar’s painting. Has she followed her mother’s orders?
  • How does Lourdes prove her trustworthiness to Pilar on pp. 141–142?
  • What does Lourdes’s sign reveal about her feelings towards Pilar? 
  • How is Pilar feeling the night before according to p. 143?
  • What is the mood as the bakery opens? 
  • How do the customers react to the painting?
  • How does Lourdes react? 

Notes


  • The ending should be read in class. Pages 134–138 could be assigned for homework ahead of time for time’s sake.
  • Consider playing the music of Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and the Ramones for class on this day.
  • Teacher could offer it as a bonus for artistic students to try and recreate Pilar’s painting. 

Next

Explain how Garcia uses symbolism to convey theme.

Identify and interpret irony in Felicia’s story. 

Lesson 20
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free