To Cuba and Back · Chapter
VIII explained
The narrator describes a sleepless night due to a mask ball next door, followed by a Sunday morning invitation to dine with the Bishop of Havana.
What happens
The narrator describes a sleepless night due to a mask ball next door, followed by a Sunday morning invitation to dine with the Bishop of Havana. At the dinner, he meets the Bishop of Puebla and other clergy, discussing topics including the pending 'Thirty Millions Bill' and its implications for Cuba's future. The chapter also covers observations on Havana's social customs, the lack of streetwalking, and the tolerance of only Roman Catholic worship.
Themes in this chapter
Uncertain Political Future of Cuba
The Thirty Millions Bill dominates conversation among clergy and merchants, highlighting fears of U.S. annexation and Cuba's uncertain fate.
Religion and Moral Hypocrisy
The contrast between the bishop's dinner and the all-night mask ball, with church bells calling to prayer as revelers go home, underscores moral contradictions.
Cultural Contrast Between North and South
The narrator notes differences in social etiquette (seating arrangements), street life, and the absence of streetwalking in Havana compared to U.S. cities.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator experiences a noisy night, receives a bishop's invitation, and dines with clergy, reflecting on Cuban society and politics.
- The Master
The bishop of Havana, host of the dinner, described as a kind and courteous gentleman of Old Spain and a prelate.
- Father Antonio Cabre
Antonio is the narrator's servant who wakes him with a message from the bishop.
- The Jesuits
Father Yuch, rector of the Jesuit College, is present at the bishop's dinner.
- Spaniards
Spanish sailors are observed ashore for a holiday, and Spanish troops pass by after mass.
- Cubans
Cubans are mentioned as part of the population discussing the Thirty Millions Bill.
Key passages
“I am surprised to see what an impression is made on all classes in this country by the pending 'Thirty Millions Bill' of Mr. Slidell.”
The narrator is astonished at how deeply the proposed Thirty Millions Bill affects everyone in Cuba.
Highlights the political tension surrounding U.S. intentions toward Cuba.
“Their future seems to be hanging in doubt, depending on the action of our government, which is thought to have a settled purpose to acquire the island.”
Cubans feel their future is uncertain and hinges on the U.S. government's apparent determination to take over the island.
Reflects the theme of political uncertainty.
“There is no people so observant of outguards, as the Spanish race.”
No other people are as attentive to formal social barriers as the Spanish.
Comment on Spanish social customs and etiquette.
“The music is loud and violent, from a very large band, with kettle drums and bass drums and trumpets; and because these do not make noise and uproar enough, leather bands are snapped, at the turns in the tunes.”
The band's music is extremely loud and aggressive, with extra noise from snapping leather straps during the tunes.
Describes the narrator's sleepless night due to the mask ball.