Unknown Narrator

Coolies

The narrator observes and interacts with the coolies as part of his travel experience, noting their conditions and treatment.

The Master

The Master is likely a ship captain or authority figure whom the narrator interacts with regularly during the voyage.

Father Antonio Cabre

Father Antonio Cabre is a Catholic priest the narrator meets and converses with, discussing religious and social matters in Cuba.

The Jesuits

The Jesuits are a religious order the narrator encounters, engaging in discussions about education and influence in Cuba.

Cubans

The narrator observes and interacts with Cubans as part of his travel, noting their culture and social conditions.

The Cahawba

The Cahawba is the ship the narrator travels on, representing a setting and a collective of passengers and crew.

The Kangaroo

The Kangaroo is another ship or vessel encountered by the narrator, possibly a fellow traveler or a point of comparison.

Spaniards

Spaniards are colonial authorities or residents the narrator observes, often representing the ruling class in Cuba.

The Young Captain

The Young Captain is a ship officer the narrator interacts with, likely in a professional capacity during the voyage.

Father Antonio Cabre

Father Antonio Cabre is a Catholic priest the narrator meets and converses with, discussing religious and social matters in Cuba.

To Cuba and Back

The narrator describes the voyage and his first impressions of Cuba.

I

The narrator describes their own experience as a vacation-maker on the voyage, interacting with the young captain and adjusting their stateroom.

II

The narrator reflects on the ship's discipline, the passengers, and the Cuban children, expressing a sense of home on the Cahawba.

III

The narrator observes the passengers and the approach to Cuba, expressing wonder at the scenery.

IV

The narrator arrives in Havana, observes the harbor, undergoes customs, and drives through the city.

V

The narrator arrives at Le Grand's hotel, navigates the indifferent service, enjoys a tropical breakfast, and visits merchants' counting houses.

VI

Describes his morning routine, observations of the chain gang, sea baths, and attendance at mass in the Cathedral.

VII

The narrator explores Havana, observes Coolies, visits the Bishop's residence, and attends the opera.

VIII

The narrator experiences a noisy night, receives a bishop's invitation, and dines with clergy, reflecting on Cuban society and politics.

IX

The narrator visits the Belen, describes the Jesuit college and its activities, and reflects on the history of the Jesuits.

X

Travels from Havana to Matanzas, observes the harbor, Coolies, and learns about the poet Placido.

XI

The narrator travels by train, observes the Cuban interior, and arrives at the plantation.

First Day on a Sugar Estate

The narrator observes the plantation operations, interviews the engineer, and dines with the master and his son.

XIII

The narrator observes plantation life, converses with the young master, and reflects on the effects of foreign education.

XIV

The narrator observes plantation life, rides to Santa Catalina, and departs for Matanzas.

XV

The narrator stays at Ensor's hotel, rides to the Cumbre and Yumurí, and visits Mr. C⸺'s family.

XVI

Travels from Matanzas to Havana by train, observes the landscape and reflects on Cuban society.

XVII

The narrator visits Havana, attends social calls, and observes the trial and music.

XVIII

The narrator attends Mass at Belén, visits the Casa de Beneficencia and Military Hospital, and observes the Sisters of Charity.

XIX

The narrator drives over the Paseo de Tacón, meets the Bishop and Count de la Fernandina, and visits the hospital and prison.

XX

The narrator attends the bullfight, observes the cruelty and crowd behavior, and reflects on the moral and political implications.

Habits of the Cubans, Visit to the Bishop, and the Coolie Mart

Observes Cuban habits, visits the Bishop and the Coolie market, and accepts an invitation to see a slave sale.

XXII

Describes his morning bath, observations at the slave sale, and purchases in Havana.

XXIII

The narrator analyzes Cuba's condition and reflects on his role as a critic and philosophizer.

Political Condition

The narrator observes and reports on the political situation in Cuba, noting the limitations of his own brief residence and conversations.

Religion

The narrator observes and analyzes the religious landscape of Cuba, noting the church's diminished authority and moral challenges.

Slavery

The narrator analyzes slavery statistics, laws, and enforcement in Cuba, drawing on personal observation and testimony from others.

Material Resources—Education

The narrator provides a detailed analysis of Cuba's resources, education, and political future, drawing on personal observation and reflection.

The Cahawba — Her arrival — Last night in Havana — Leave-takings — On board the Cahawba — Getting underway — Last views of Cuba — Night at sea

The narrator experiences the final day in Havana, makes last calls, and boards the Cahawba for departure.

XXV

Observes the death of G⸺, the harbor entrance, and the hackmen fight; reflects on patriotism and contrasts with Cuba.