Dreaming in Cuban

Lesson 25
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ELA

Unit 5

11th Grade

Lesson 25 of 31

Objective


Explain the factors that led to Felicia’s death.

Analyze the symbolism of the seashells.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia  pp. 183 – 191 — "God's Will, Herminia Delgado"

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Target Task


Question 1

The imagery in the opening paragraph mainly serves to:

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Which detail from later in the chapter best reinforces your answer above?

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Question 2

What does Celia’s breaking of the seashells represent? Use details from throughout the chapter to support your response. 

Key Questions


  • Establish narration and setting.
  • Why is Felicia forbidden to visit Herminia’s house according to p. 184?
  • How did Herminia’s friendship influence young Felicia?
  • What do we learn of Felicia’s character through her friendship with Herminia?
  • What is the “disappearance” Herminia refers to on p. 185?
  • What does Felicia reveal about Otto’s death?
  • How did Herminia’s rituals help Felicia?
  • What do we know about Felicia’s asiento?
  • How did Felicia’s family react to her santeria practice? Why?
  • What do we learn of Felicia and Herminia’s relationship on p. 189?
  • How did becoming a santera impact Felicia?
  • How does Celia react on p. 190?
  • What could the breaking of the shells symbolize? 
  • Why does Garcia shift to a quick anecdote from Ivanito on pp. 190–191?
  • What does the radio represent on p. 191?

Notes


Herminia is a black Cuban. If available, consider showing the clip from Moonlight in which Juan (Mahershala Ali) discusses the complicated nature of being a black Cuban.

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Lesson 24

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Lesson 26

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