Dreaming in Cuban

Lesson 28
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ELA

Unit 5

11th Grade

Lesson 28 of 31

Objective


Analyze Garcia’s use of juxtaposition. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia  pp. 213 – 222 — "The Languages Lost: Six Days in April"

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Target Task


How does Garcia’s use of juxtaposition on p. 213 reveal theme?

On p. 219 Pilar says, “Cuba is a peculiar exile...We can reach it by a thirty-minute charter flight from Miami, yet never reach it at all.” Explain what she means using details from throughout the novel.

Key Questions


  • Establish setting and narration.
  • What is Garcia’s purpose of the first two paragraphs?
  • How does Garcia use juxtaposition on the opening page of this section?
  • What are the ration cards for?
  • How did Felicia wish to be buried?
  • What is the purpose of the scene in which Celia examines herself in the mirror on p. 215?
  • How does the setting and narration shift on p. 215?
  • How does Pilar vs. Lourdes react to their new surroundings?
  • How has Pilar been changed by the day in the park?
  • Why does Lourdes close her eyes on p. 216?
  • Who are the “bodies” on p. 216? Why does Pilar mention this?
  • Why is Lourdes worried about Celia on pp. 217–218?
  • How does Lourdes show her love for Celia?
  • Why is Cuba a “peculiar exile” according to Pilar on p. 219?
  • Why is Lourdes’s memory of sugarcane significant?
  • Why does Pilar feel “back in time” on p. 220? Cite examples.
  • Why is Lourdes so upset on p. 221?
  • Why do you think Lourdes used to clutch her stomach and cry? Why doesn’t Pilar understand?
  • What does Celia divulge to Pilar on pp. 221–222?

Notes


  • Page 214 refers to rationing cards for food during Communist rule.
  • Pages 216–217 refer to those fleeing Cuba and dying on the way. Consider pulling in relevant nonfiction.

Next

Explain how Garcia reveals the impact that Cuba has on Lourdes.

Analyze how Garcia uses juxtaposition to reveal theme. 

Lesson 29
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