Bonds Across The Border

The most prevalent and constant way the characters try to bridge the physical and emotional gaps that developed is by writing notes and reading it aloud. The character Luis throughout the story writes letters to his sister who reside in New York City. It is reasonable to assume they had a close-knit brother-sister relationship after reading certain parts of the letter. For example, “But I know there will be no end pleasure of being with you there and talking through the night.”(Pg 5) The letters were written to reflect on the good memories Luis had with Franz, or to catch her up with what is happening in Cuba. I can connect this to how my friends and I communicate also, as we do not see each other as often. When texting each other it may be small events that occurred in our life or talking about the nostalgic moments we experienced with each other. At face value this seems just like small talk, however when we do physically meet up it feels as if no time was lost between each other. Relating back to the story, the letters are being utilized in the same sense. Hypothetically if Luis were to meet Franz in New York, it is not reasonable to believe the dynamic of their relationship would be the same before Franz left for NYC. The creative that gives the feeling that the characters are closer to one another is the scene actions. “As Fran starts to enter the apartment through the hallway door, Luis tosses a letter down to her. She catches it and enters the apartment.” (Pg 6) After reading this the directors are expressing that though the siblings are physically far apart their aura or spirits are closely linked. 

On the other hand, Joseph expresses how Fran is not physically around as much to Marc. However, there is not any significant attempt to change the dynamic of their friendship. Joseph chalks it up “it is silly, but well, it is true…. schedule can ruin relationships.”(Pg 8) But the feelings of emotions Joseph has for Fran is much stronger to use schedules as an excuse to not engage with Fran more. However, I believe the author does not want that relationship to be significant due to the parallel of how Luis expresses his love compared to Joseph.

Readers will notice how the desire for connection integrates with spirituality with the quote “Suddenly, the hallway opens and Enrique attempts to hide himself with the stage left futon.”(Pg 14) This gives a unique perspective because Enrique is not physically there but does not want to be seen though he expresses he physically wants to be rekindled with Fran. A very odd spiritually occurrence, which leads me to questions is that desire to relate to Enrique exists for Fran. The author/playwright shows she physically does receive these letters but does not include her reaction to them. Why wouldn’t Enrique want Fran to see spiritually he is in her presence? However, this relationship is not shown much throughout the play, readers do not know the relationship between Enrique and his aunt Fran.

After reading this play I notice many similarities or spiritual events occuring in Erzulie Skirt. A parallel I noticed after reading this was the switch in toxic masculinity for the recent books read. In this play every man personae, shows some form of vulnerability to Fran. 

Work Cited Page 

Fornes,Maria. “Letters From Cuba” In Letters From Cuba and Other Plays. 1st edition., PAJ Publications,2007