Before We Were Free

“Although the Pilgrims never came to the Dominican Republic, we are attending the American School, so we have to celebrate the American holidays.”

Even in the Dominican Republic, Anita resents that she is beholden to America in some ways, such as being forced to celebrate America’s independence, among other holidays. This serves as an interesting foil in that Anita will soon become reliant on America for many things, including shelter in the form of exile and aid in the form of the Washburns helping her family.

“You will see them before they come back but only after you are free.” 

Chucha tends to speak in what sound like riddles to Anita. Later, when Anita is reunited with the Garcias in New York, she will have a chance to ponder the truth of Chucha’s words and how they foreshadowed the nature of freedom. 

“Mrs. Brown always says that writing makes a person more thoughtful and interesting.” 

Anita’s teacher encourages Anita to write, because thoughtfulness is required for wisdom, and writing helps to clarify thinking. This skill will come in handy later when Anita writes in her diary to leave an account of the revolution for those who might follow her into hiding.