Dreaming in Cuban

Lesson 20
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ELA

Unit 5

11th Grade

Lesson 20 of 31

Objective


Explain how Garcia uses symbolism to convey theme.

Identify and interpret irony in Felicia’s story. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia  pp. 145 – 155 — "Baskets of Water, Ivanito"

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Target Task


Question 1

Which of the following themes does the breaking of the porcelain bowl mainly reinforce?

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Question 2

Explain why the death of Ernesto is ironic using specific details from this chapter as well as details from Celia’s past. 

Key Questions


  • Establish the narrator and setting.
  • What has Ivanito been doing?
  • Why do you think most of the students at school have to learn Russian? 
  • How has Mr. Mikoyan influenced Ivanito according to pp. 146–147?
  • What does the breaking of the porcelain bowl symbolize on p. 147? 
  • Note the change of narration on p. 147.
  • What does Felicia wish for? 
  • What does the santero advise Felicia? How does she contradict this?
  • How does Garcia describe Ernesto on pp. 148–149?
  • What is the power dynamic between Felicia and Ernesto?
  • Why is it significant that Ernesto moved from his mother’s apartment?
  • How does Ernesto die? Why is this ironic?
  • How does the death of Ernesto impact Felicia? 
  • What does Felicia do to Graciela on pp. 150–151 and why?
  • Why does Garcia include the description of the wall hangings on p. 151?
  • What is happening to Felicia?
  • Why does Garcia spend so much time describing each object on p. 152?
  • Establish the setting on p. 153.
  • How do people greet Felicia? 
  • Why are the gold bands significant? 
  • How did Felicia come to marry Otto?
  • What happens to Otto?

Notes


Ivanito is a quick anecdote. It can be done at home or as a Do Now.

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Lesson 19

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Lesson 21

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