Letters from Cuba

“Why does such injustice exist? How did it come about that some people are rich and others poor?”

Esther reveals both her empathy and her sense of social justice when she observes inequity aboard ship between the poor passengers in steerage and the wealthy ones in first class. Esther’s questions are ones she will ask again as she observes the differences between rural workers in Agramonte and wealthy shoppers in Havana, reflecting her deeply compassionate nature.

“You are very wise for such a young girl. And I see you have no bitterness in your heart.”

Hershel, the elderly first-class passenger, praises Esther for her kindness and her understanding about the importance of family and the need for family to be together to make a home. His generous gift of the pocket watch both rewards Esther and symbolizes selflessness and hope for the future (See: Symbols & Motifs).

“Dear Malka, I fell in love with Cuba at that moment.”

Esther immediately feels accepted in Cuba when a fruit peddler welcomes her with generosity, joy, and a big hug. The woman cheerfully calls Esther “una polaquita linda,” and Esther is enchanted by her openness and friendliness even though Esther is from a different culture (24). The woman mirrors Esther’s own openheartedness, introducing the theme of The Benefits of Cross-Cultural Understanding.