# XVII explained — To Cuba and Back

> Chapter companion for To Cuba and Back by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

## What happens

The narrator visits Havana, encounters Dr. and Mrs. Howe, learns of the trial of Señor Maestri for disrespect to the Captain-General, and reflects on the Creole interest in the case as a symbol of centralized power. The chapter ends with a description of a late-night contradanza and the morning bells.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters