Characters
The antagonist in the story.
Who is Castro?
The interview reveals the true extent of Castro’s imprisonment of Cuban citizens for political reasons.
What is the Barbara Waters interview?
I couldn't look back at my grandmother as we sailed away, knowing I might never see her again...
What is pathos?
Represents hope, anticipation and the idea of a better future
What is the United States
She describes the act of leaving Cuba as "tearing a piece of her soul"
What is a metaphor or hyperbole?
This man believed he was involved in a human-rights mission, bringing families together and free prisoners, but later found out he was simply apart of Castro's master plan.
Who is Benes?
She recalls moments of joy and family life in Cuba before the revolution, contrasting them with the harsh realities of her family's life under Castro's regime. These flashback are known as...
What are anecdotes?
"We left the way one leaves a cherished but impossible love: our hearts heavy with regret but beating with great hope"?
What is pathos?
It is a barrier between Cuba and the United States and represents both physical and emotional boundaries
What is the sea or ocean?
She describes the oppressive heat, the crowded streets, and the chaotic atmosphere of the harbor.
What is imagery?
He was instrumental in getting his family on the boat.
Who is Uncle Oswaldo?
"the government she was trying to flee was also the one that she knew would take care of her children – made her question why she really wanted to leave her country."
What is a paradox?
He would be a good representative for this mission on page 38 by saying, "The only officials he was friendly with were elected and tended to live in Washington, D.C."
What is ethos
This represents deprivation, starvation, and desperation and rations under an oppressive regime.
What is food shortages in Cuba?
Ojito describes the sea as "angry and unforgiving"
What is personification
This person crashed his bus into the embassy, and was finally freed.
Who is Hector?
"A portion of [the iron fence] was crushed like a country fence after a cattle stampede."
What is a simile?
Approximately 125,000 refugees left Cuba during the Mariel boatlift.
What is logos
This represents the refugees belief in the promise of tomorrow despite the hardships they face.
What is the title "Finding Manana?
The late 1970's in Havana
What is the setting?
This person was torn between remaining in Cuba and doing what was best for her family by leaving her home.
Who is Mercedes?
Everyone who doesn't agree with Castro's regime pretends to be a supporter in public. This is also an example of symbolism for survival in the story.
What is wearing a mask?
Using her personal experience as a survivor of the journey
What is ethos?
This represents freedom, opportunity and success. Many people desired this idea. Those who were freed from Cuba and those who remained there.
What is the American Dream
Freedom often comes at a great personal cost, but the pursuit is worth the sacrifice
What is the theme?