Letters from Cuba

The poetry of José Martí forms an important motif in the novel. When Esther first arrives, Papa points out the statue of José Martí in the middle of Parque Central, saying, “He was a poet and independence leader. Cubans adore him. Don’t ever say anything bad about him to anyone” (26). Papa need not worry: Esther has nothing bad to say about Martí, who becomes an inspiration to her. José Martí represents the power of words, which informs the theme of Developing Self-Knowledge through Writing. His works also reflect The Benefits of Cross-Cultural Understanding.

Martí’s collection, Simple Verses, is transformative for Esther. She is inspired by both Martí’s poetic talent with language and imagery—“the beautiful ways that José Martí says things” (148)—as well as by the meanings he conveys. Esther recognizes that her letters, though not at the level of Martí’s poems, similarly express her thoughts and emotions. On another level, Martí’s words connect to Esther’s own life experiences as she navigates a new home, new culture, and new friends (148). Like Martí, Esther believes in inclusion and equity. Doctor Pablo articulates both Martí’s and Esther’s beliefs when he says, “[W]hen José Martí fought for Cuba’s independence, it was to create a nation where people of all backgrounds could live in harmony” (139).

For Esther, the ocean primarily symbolizes separation. The ocean creates a huge physical divide between Esther in Cuba and her family in Poland, and it also represents a cultural divide between countries. Life across the ocean is much different from life in her Polish homeland.

Esther is awed by the ocean’s size, power, and beauty. On first seeing the ocean, she writes that it seems to reach “to the edge of the world,” and she comments that she is “grateful” to have “seen the miracle of the ocean” (5). On her solitary journey to Cuba, the ocean waves mirror Esther’s hopes and fears. They can be soothing or crashing, making even brave Esther realize the danger of her solitary journey. She writes, “That’s when my fears about this journey become difficult to shoo away. I am crossing the ocean. But it feels as if the ocean is crossing me” (5). The ocean is fearsome, unpredictable, and a vast symbolic obstacle to overcome.

Finally, Esther realizes that the ocean is also vital to bring the family back together. When Malka adds a tiny note, “a hug across the ocean,” Esther knows they are connected (153). While she misses them, she writes, “But my sorrows were mixed with my joys. The sea was calm and peaceful and seemed to be whispering to me, I will bring your family to you. Soon, soon, soon” (133).

The gold pocket watch that Hershel, the elderly Jewish gentleman, gives Esther on the ship symbolizes generosity and hope for the future. Hershel appreciates Esther’s open-hearted personality: He senses that she does not have “bitterness” in her heart. His gift is a blessing in several ways. Hershel hopes the watch brings Esther a happy future, saying, “[M]ay it bless you with many hours of happiness and hope” (11). The watch also proves to be a blessing for the future when Esther needs money to purchase the family’s steamship tickets. Zvi Mandelbaum, having seen Esther’s hard work and her love for her family, will not let her sell the watch but gives her its value in cash. The pocket watch continues to represent generosity and the willingness to help others. It inspires giving and rewards kindness.

Esther takes the watch’s legacy of kindness and generosity to a different level when she passes the watch outside the Jewish community and gives it to Manuela. The watch is still a blessing for the future, but for the future of a different culture. The gift will help Manuela finance her education, which will ultimately help others on a wider scale by promoting literacy and independence among the descendants of enslaved people.