Dreaming in Cuban

Lesson 30
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ELA

Unit 5

11th Grade

Lesson 30 of 31

Objective


Students will be able to explain the title of the final section using evidence from the final scenes. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia  pp. 232 – 244 — "Castro Announces Mariel Boatlift"

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Target Task


Why does Pilar lie to Celia? Did she make the right choice?

What drives Celia to the sea at the end of this novel? What is she most heartbroken about?

The final section is called “The Languages Lost.” Who does this refer to? What language, if any, is lost? Explain.

Key Questions


  • Establish setting and narration.
  • What does Celia ask of Pilar on p. 232? Can Pilar do this?
  • What does Celia want for the painting? What theme is revealed?
  • Why is the color blue so significant on p. 233?
  • What is Celia’s definition of freedom? Do you agree?
  • How does Lourdes react to Celia’s talking to Pilar about Communism on pp. 233–234?
  • Why is the Committee hassling Celia?
  • What does Pilar begin to realize about Cuba on pp. 234–235?
  • What do we learn about Celia’s letters to Gustavo?
  • How is Cuba affecting Pilar?
  • Why does Pilar have to go home on p. 236?
  • Note the shift in narration on p. 236.
  • Why does Lourdes rush to the capital?
  • Why are the Peruvians there?
  • Who is the man who gets out of the jeep? How is he described?
  • What motivates Lourdes on p. 237?
  • What does Castro tell the asylum seekers? Why is this significant?
  • What did Lourdes promise her father? Will she keep this promise?
  • What is Lourdes’s plan for Ivanito as revealed on pp. 238–239?
  • Who does Ivanito worry about?
  • Note the shift to Pilar on p. 239.
  • What news does Pilar and the neighbor discuss?
  • How does Celia feel on the car ride to the capital? 
  • How has the situation in Havana escalated on p. 241?
  • Why does Pilar lie to Celia on p. 241? Do you think Celia buys it?
  • What does the sea mean to Celia on pp. 242–243?
  • What happens to the pearl earrings? What does this signify?
  • What does Celia’s last letter reveal? Why did Garcia end with this?

Notes


  • Lourdes witnesses the Mariel Boatlift in this chapter. Students should read part of this article beforehand either for a Do Now or homework in order to understand its significance.
  • Asesino” means killer.
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Lesson 29

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Lesson 31

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