Surrender Tree | Margarita Engle | Cuba
Henry Holt and Co. | 2010 | ASIN: B003BQZ85M
Synopsis
The Surrender Tree depicts the struggle for Cuban independence from 1850 to 1899. Told in blank verse through the voices of several characters, author Margarita Engle recounts the trials of a people who face violent consequences for fighting against oppression. Many of the poetic voices are based on historical figures of the time. Although the author has embellished their thoughts and actions, this gives life to what could be a dry historical read and no authenticity is lost. The primary voice is Rosa’s, a young slave girl who is an herbalist and healer. Her chief adversary is a boy called Lieutenant Death, the slave catcher’s son. As the years go by, the two pursue their respective choices—Rosa wants only to help others and dreams of a time with no nightmares and blood, Lieutenant Death seeks revenge against Rosa for eluding him and preventing his success as a slave catcher. Other voices, from the poor rebels whom Rosa heals to the Captain-General of the Spanish military, play important roles as well. Initially, the fight for freedom is between slaves and plantation owners, natives against the Spanish colonizers. In later years, the rebels help the United States defeat Spain in what we know as the Spanish-American War but what the Cubans regard as The War of Independence (1895-99).
Rationale for Use in the English Classroom
The language of The Surrender Tree is beautiful and evocative. Because of the short poetic structure, it is easy to read and would be appropriate for grade 7 and up. There are graphic descriptions of violence perpetrated upon slaves and rebels; however, it is fitting for the time and not gratuitous in nature. This novel may be used as an exploration in the use of verse to tell a story, in an examination of literary device and sensory language and for dramatic readings. Appreciating “voice” in reading and developing it in writing requires an understanding of diction, figurative language, imagery, tone and syntax. A close look at portions of The Surrender Tree may provide excellent examples of each of these qualities. Rosa is a strong voice and her unflinching analysis of the cruelty of human beings against one another does not prevent her from nursing and the tending to all who come to her. Even in Lieutenant Death, who wants to kill her, Rosa sees humanity. Her poems and voice are distinct and illustrate this literary trait well.
Before/During/After Reading Ideas
Before reading, an overview of the Cuban struggle for independence is paramount. Depending on the school demographic, some students may have little knowledge of how Cubans rebelled against Spain. A discussion of European colonization of the New World and the subsequent revolutions that gave rise to new countries may surprise American students who think only in terms of thirteen original colonies and a war against the British in 1776. Another aspect to consider is the role of The United States in The Spanish-American War since this is the Cuban War of Independence. This website explores both the U.S. role in the war and Cuban experiences; also included are highlighted vocabulary and links to other material.
https://www.boundless.com/u-s-history/race-empire-and-culture-in-the-gilded-age-1870-1900/war-empire-and-an-emerging-american-world-power/the-cuban-war-of-independence/
During reading, have students choose a section of the novel to present to the class via dramatic readings. Section One introduces the characters of Rosa and Lieutenant Death as children and sets the stage for the conflict between the two of them that persists throughout the book. Through their poems, we get a sense of their character and their foundations. These early poems are excellent to begin with because the ages of the characters at this time may be easiest to relate to for younger students. Other sections present better challenges for older students; those with the Captain-General and Lieutenant Death grown to manhood will appeal to many male teens and those between Rosa and her husband José will appeal to others. Before presenting, read several pages aloud with the class and ask students to note how the author uses imagery and diction to create mood. Allow students to work in small groups to practice before presenting to the class.
After reading, have students write autobiographical poems in blank verse. Using what they have learned about voice, students will write a series of poems that tell their own stories. Poems should describe events or pivotal moments in the life of the student, evoke mood and use imagery and diction that demonstrate his/her understanding and mastery of these literary devices.
Connections to Other Content Areas
History and Social Studies curricula that explore slavery, European colonization, U.S. history between 1880 and 1920 or Latin studies can be successfully linked to The Surrender Tree. Another aspect of the novel that warrants investigation is Rosa’s description of the use of concentration camps by Spain’s Imperial Army in Cuba. Estimates of between 10-30% of the native population were “relocated” and died in these camps without provisions for food, shelter or basic sanitation. This is the first documented instance of using camps such as this to control civilians; the author states that the practice quickly became commonplace and was used in South Africa during the Boer War, by Hitler during WWII, by the U.S. against its Japanese citizens after the attack on Pearl Harbor and by many other governments since. The War of Independence for Cuba is also known as “The Journalist’s War” as it was one of the first wars in which the writing of newspapermen strongly influenced the people’s impressions and opinions with such immediacy. Propaganda and pictures sent from Cuba are considered to have pressured the U.S. Congress into entering into the war against Spain in 1895.
Submitted by Kathleen Morris
