What Role Does Elizabeth Play In A Small Town

soon to change for her, as she is now being forced into a world guarded behind

The choice made by the author and her family to leave Cuba stems from the many negative aspects of life due to the communist revolution. Many of the reasons for Mirta’s family to seek emigration arose from the harmful political impact that the rise of Fidel Castro created, which propagated to adversely affect their personal lives. Ojito mentions the opinion about island politics which her parents held as early as the prologue. Her parents never believed, even before Fidel’s rise, that “A thirty-three-year-old in dirty fatigues and a

Another reason forimplementing the embargo on Cuba concerns the corrupt communist government andUS hopes of promoting a transition to a democratic system. On February 3, 1962,President Kennedy was confident that “Castro was moving toward theestablishment of a to! talitarian regime in alliance with the Soviet Union”(DeVarona 7). This raised a huge national defense issue since Cuba is only 90miles from US soil. The US government claims that the transition from communismto democracy will help Cuba flourish, as other democratic countries in thewestern hemisphere have. (“Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of1996”).

Cuba was finally free of Spain's control. With Cuba being free of Spain this is when America gets their benefits. America basically tells Cuba “Since we helped you get free of Spain’s control, you will let us build a canal,” and that was only one of the benefits America used to get what they wanted with Cuba.

On her short visit home, how did her former life compare to her new life?

One day, Elizabeth’s father came home and everyone in the household could tell that there was something on his mind. It was around dinner time when he came in from working on the

"For the recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect," the President is hereby authorized to "leave the government and control of the island of Cuba to its people” (Internet Modern History Sourcebook,

other people and listen to their problems no matter how hard it was for her. Minerva

Despite having a reserved disposition, she isn't reluctant to do what she believes is right. When something or someone needs repairing, be it a correction tape or a human heart, she will patiently observe and attend to the problem with much sincerity.

Elizabeth had inspired many people, even her own sister Emily Blackwell, she even became the third woman to do so. Elizabeth's presence in her school made many people study even more around her especially the men. Even though Elizabeth was a very successful doctor she also wanted to become a surgeon, but never did because of an accident while treating a baby's eyes she accidentally sprayed medicine into her left eye and making her blind, there for not being able to becoming a

In February of 1964, my grandfather, along with his wife and children, fled Cuba with two suitcases and not a dime to his name. Once a successful business owner, my grandfather lost everything when Fidel Castro took power. He first fled to Mexico to stay with family, believing the turmoil in Cuba would resolve within a year. When it didn’t, my grandfather took his family to Flint, Michigan, one of the most dangerous towns in America at the time. Speaking no English and penniless, my grandparents remarkably found work, eventually earning enough money to move to Hialeah, FL eight years later. It haunts me that, 51 years later unresolved political strife still plagues Cubans. Additionally, relations between the United States and Cuba have barely improved, with America only recently reopening the Cuban embassy.

Elizabeth realises the importance of appropriate etiquette, and displays this during her vain attempts to apologise for her mother's rude remarks towards Darcy. Though unsuccessful, she takes great responsibility in upholding her family name in the presence of those who think otherwise. Elizabeth is also keen about nature, using her perceptive eye to marvel at its beauty. Her fondness for reading is great, and she is always able to "amuse herself…with a book". Her ability to sing and play the piano is most "pleasing", as the "entreaties" of "several" would suggest.

Thousands of refugees were able to reach Miami within the next day. Castro allowed this because of the condition Cuba was in. Its economy was ailing and the country was in danger so he thought it would be a good idea

that she has an influence on her own future.  She begins to develop what she

She was a combination of sweet, happy and a little bit angry, all at the same time. I remember that when I met her she was so shy, but then we start talking and she just became an extraordinary person in my life. Lizeth was a great leader, she wasn't to patience, but she tried everything for always doing everything perfect.