To Cuba and Back · Chapter
Habits of the Cubans, Visit to the Bishop, and the Coolie Mart explained
The narrator observes Cuban customs such as the distinctive 'P—s—t!' call and universal smoking.
What happens
The narrator observes Cuban customs such as the distinctive 'P—s—t!' call and universal smoking. He visits the Bishop at Jesus del Monte to pay parting respects, discussing the Thirty Millions Bill and religious institutions. The chapter then describes a visit to the Coolie market in the Cerro, detailing the importation, contracts, and treatment of Chinese laborers, and ends with an invitation to witness a slave sale.
Themes in this chapter
Economic Exploitation and Sugar Monoculture
The Coolie market illustrates the economic exploitation of Chinese laborers, sold into servitude for eight years with minimal pay and poor conditions.
Colonial Oppression and Despotism
The Bishop's admission of the prison's faults and the government's reluctance to reform highlights systemic oppression under colonial rule.
Cultural Contrast Between North and South
The narrator contrasts Cuban customs like the 'P—s—t!' call and smoking habits with those of the United States, emphasizing cultural differences.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
Observes Cuban habits, visits the Bishop and the Coolie market, and accepts an invitation to see a slave sale.
- Father Antonio Cabre
The Bishop at Jesus del Monte, cordial and polite, discusses the Thirty Millions Bill and religious institutions.
- Mr. G⸺
A gentleman from New York dying of consumption, staying at Mrs. Almy's, hoping to die at sea on the Cahawba.
- Dr. Howe
Mentioned as having just come from Mr. G⸺'s chamber.
- Coolies
Imported Chinese laborers kept in a market, described as having shaved heads, Chinese garments, and subject to contracts for eight years of service.
- Mr. ⸻
A wealthy and intelligent planter who invites the narrator to see a slave sale at Regla.
Key passages
“The people of Cuba have a mode of calling attention by a sound of the tongue and lips, a sort of 'P—s—t!' after the fashion of some parts of the continent of Europe.”
Cubans attract attention with a tongue-and-lip sound like 'P—s—t!', similar to some European regions.
Describes a distinctive Cuban habit.
“The dealer does not hesitate to tell me the terms on which the contracts are made, as the trade is not illegal.”
The dealer openly explains the contract terms because the trade is legal.
Highlights the legal but exploitative nature of the Coolie trade.
“The importation has not yet existed eight years. So the question, what will become of these men, exotics, without women or children, taking no root in the land, has not come to a solution.”
Since the importation began less than eight years ago, it is uncertain what will happen to these men, who are foreign and without families.
Raises the unresolved future of the Coolies in Cuba.