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.
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Lesson 27

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Lesson 29

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