XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Colonial Oppression and Despotism

  The Maestri trial is seen by Creoles as evidence of the unlimited centralized power of the Captain-General, illustrating colonial despotism.

• Cultural Contrast Between North and South

  The narrator contrasts the hot, lively Havana with the cooler, more temperate Santa Cruz, and notes the different social and legal customs.

• Travel as a Lens for Social Critique

  The narrator uses his travels to observe and critique the political and social conditions in Cuba, such as the trial and the music.

Characters to notice

• Unknown Narrator

  The narrator visits Havana, attends social calls, and observes the trial and music.

• Dr. Howe

  Dr. Howe invites the narrator to attend the trial of Señor Maestri and provides an account of the proceedings.

• Mr. Theodore Parker

  Mr. Parker has left Havana for Santa Cruz, having visited the College of Belen and been received by the Jesuits.

• The Jesuits

  The Jesuits at the College of Belen courteously received Mr. Parker, knowing his reputation.

• Cubans

  Creoles gather at billiard tables and show deep interest in the Maestri trial as a symbol of centralized power.

Key passages

• “I say the tale as ’twas said to me.”

  The narrator reports the story of Maestri's trial as he heard it, without verifying its accuracy.

  The narrator acknowledges the secondhand nature of the account.

• “It is a contradanza of Cuba. The great bells beat five, over the city; and instantly the music ceases, and is heard no more.”

  The music of the Cuban contradanza stops abruptly when the city bells strike five in the morning.

  Describes the precise ending of the dance music at dawn.