Dreaming in Cuban

Lesson 18
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ELA

Unit 5

11th Grade

Lesson 18 of 31

Objective


Contrast how Garcia describes New York and Cuba and explain what theme is revealed. 

Explain the symbolism of Pilar’s gift to Lourdes.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia  pp. 127 – 133 — "Enough Attitude (1975)"

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Target Task


Question 1

As presented on p. 129, Lourdes’s view of NYC is best described as:

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Which choice provides the best evidence for your answer to the previous question?

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Question 2

Explain the symbolism behind Pilar’s Christmas gift to Lourdes on pp. 132–133. Be sure to include details about Cuba in your response. 

Key Questions


  • Establish narrator and setting on p. 127.
  • How does Lourdes feel about her job? What earlier trait does this reinforce? 
  • Why do you think Lourdes finds solace in having a gun? Consider her past. 
  • Annotate for details that reveal the relationship between Lourdes and Pilar on pp. 128–129.
  • Why does Garcia use the phrases “would have been” when Lourdes is talking about her son on p. 129?
  • What kind of imagery does Garcia use to describe New York City? 
  • How has New York City affected Rufino?
  • What are Lourdes’s views on working women as revealed on p. 130?
  • How has the plight of the Puente women changed as a result of immigrating to the United States?
  • Why does Garcia include the anecdote of the Puente family’s country ranch on p. 130?
  • What might the birds symbolize on p. 131?
  • What has life in New York City done to Rufino and Lourdes’s relationship?
  • Who or what motivated Lourdes to become an auxiliary policewoman on p. 132?
  • What does Pilar think of her mother’s job?
  • What does Pilar’s Christmas gift to Lourdes mean?
  • Why is the last line of this chapter significant?

Notes


  • Page 128 has a reference to Neil Armstrong’s moon landing. Consider embedding a short piece of nonfiction about this as a Do Now.
  • There is a reference to Che Guevara on p. 132, and this is also an opportunity for short paired nonfiction.
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Lesson 17

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Lesson 19

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