Preparation
Teacher will have taught students about Cuban history 1850-1900.
Objectives
Students will develop reading, retention, analyzation skills.
Students will develop first hand knowledge of the life of a Cuban slave.
Material
The Autobiography of a Runaway Slave
, Esteban Montejo by Miguel Barnet
*excerpts: description of barracoons pp. 21-26
description of fugitive life pp. 45-49
description of San Juan Day pp. 73-83
*available at YNHTI office, 53 Wall St., New Haven
Activities
-
1. Each selection will be read and discussed in class.
-
2. Suggested written or discussion questions:
-
a. Describe life in the barracoons.
-
b. What qualities did Esteban have that enabled him to dare to escape?
-
c. Describe conditions in the cave.
-
d. How did Esteban manage to evade captors?
-
e. Was life better for Esteban in the barracoons or as a fugitive? Explain.
-
f. Describe how San Juan Day was celebrated. Include preparations, food, dance, etc.
-
g. What misconceptions by Esteban are evident in the reading?
-
h. What made the most impact on you when reading these selections? Why?
