# Cultural Contrast Between North and South in To Cuba and Back

> Theme guide for To Cuba and Back by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

Dana constantly compares the tropical, Spanish-colonial world of Cuba with the industrial, democratic, and Protestant culture of the United States, particularly New England, emphasizing differences in governance, religion, and social habits.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/i): The contrast between the cold, snowy New York departure and the anticipation of Cuba's tropical warmth underscores the cultural and climatic divide.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/iii): The narrator contrasts Northern boys (fair, loud, plainly dressed) with Cuban boys (sallow, graceful, ornamented), highlighting cultural differences.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/iv): The narrator contrasts Havana's narrow streets, volantes, and customs with his New York experience.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/v): The narrator contrasts the indifferent, relaxed service at Le Grand's with the efficiency expected in the North, and marvels at the airy, leisurely breakfasts of fruit and claret versus heavy American meals.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/vii): The narrator contrasts the open, public domestic life in Havana with the privacy of hotels in the United States, highlighting cultural differences.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/viii): The narrator notes differences in social etiquette (seating arrangements), street life, and the absence of streetwalking in Havana compared to U.S. cities.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/ix): The narrator compares Cuban religious practices and the Jesuits' methods with Northern sensibilities, noting differences in education, recreation, and decoration.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xiii): The young master's education in Europe and the United States contrasts with the narrowness of plantation life, highlighting the tension between cosmopolitanism and local isolation.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xv): The narrator contrasts Cuban hotel arrangements with American expectations, and notes the cosmopolitan mix of French, Spanish, and American influences in Cuban families.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xvii): The narrator contrasts the hot, lively Havana with the cooler, more temperate Santa Cruz, and notes the different social and legal customs.
- [Habits of the Cubans, Visit to the Bishop, and the Coolie Mart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xxi): The narrator contrasts Cuban customs like the 'P—s—t!' call and smoking habits with those of the United States, emphasizing cultural differences.
- [The Cahawba — Her arrival — Last night in Havana — Leave-takings — On board the Cahawba — Getting underway — Last views of Cuba — Night at sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xxiv): The narrator contrasts Havana's narrow streets, palm trees, and volantes with the familiar sights of New York and the Fifth Avenue.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xxv): The narrator contrasts the orderly expectations of Cuban passengers with the violent, lawless hackmen fight at the New York wharf, highlighting differences in social order.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/themes/cultural_contrast
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/themes