BOOK CASA DIVIDIDA P.1 TO 71.pdf

Summary

In this emotionally charged script, we follow the story of Luisa’s family as they struggle with a medical emergency for their young daughter, Lolita, who falls critically ill. Despite their efforts to seek medical help, they face systemic barriers, including unhelpful hospital staff and a lack of compassion, leading to a tragic loss. The narrative contrasts with the life of José, a young boy proud of his wealthy and successful father, Martín Santos, who is generous and influential. As José enjoys a life of privilege, his friendship with Pedro and family interactions showcase his contrast to the struggles of those like Luisa’s family.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lolita, Luisa's younger sister, is severely ill, causing great concern within the family.
• 😀 Luisa’s mother, Ciruela, suggests taking Lolita to the doctor, but her father, Manuel, refuses due to the challenges of leaving during harvest time.
• 😀 Despite Lolita being only 3 years old and extremely frail, the family struggles with the decision to seek medical help.
• 😀 The family embarks on a long journey to the city to find a doctor, but they face numerous obstacles along the way.
• 😀 They encounter Rolando, a 15-year-old boy who tries to help them locate a hospital in the city.
• 😀 At the hospital, the staff refuses to treat Lolita, claiming it’s too late and they are not accepting new patients.
• 😀 Manuel becomes angry and desperate, pleading for help, but the family is further mistreated by the hospital staff.
• 😀 The nurse insults Ciruela and pushes her to the ground, and Rolando gets slapped, showing the harsh treatment faced by the family.
• 😀 The family is forced out of the hospital by security guards and later faces police arrest for Rolando's actions.
• 😀 Despite their efforts, Lolita dies in the streets due to the lack of medical attention, highlighting the social and healthcare inequalities.
• 😀 In contrast, José, a privileged boy from Havana, proudly talks about his wealthy and successful father, showing the disparity in living conditions between the rural family and the city elite.

Q & A

Why is Lolita's condition so dire in the beginning of the story?

Lolita, a three-year-old girl, is very sick, having cried all day and night without eating. Her family is concerned that without medical intervention, she might not survive.

What obstacles do Lolita's family face in seeking medical help?

The family is unable to find a local doctor and has to travel to the city. However, they face resistance due to the harvest season and the restrictions placed by the boss, which limits their ability to seek medical help.

How does the family react when they are denied medical attention at the hospital?

The family is desperate and angry. The father, Manuel, is furious, while the mother, Ciruela, pleads for help. The situation escalates with verbal and physical confrontation, leading to Rolando, a young helper, being arrested.

Who is Rolando, and how does he help Lolita's family?

Rolando is a 15-year-old boy who helps guide Lolita's family to the hospital in the city. He tries to advocate for the family when they are denied care, expressing frustration at the hospital's refusal to treat the sick child.

What happens to Lolita by the end of the night?

Despite the family's efforts to get her medical attention, Lolita dies later that night after being denied care at the hospital.

How does José describe his father, Martín Santos?

José is very proud of his father, describing him as one of the most successful men in Cuba, who rose from humble beginnings to become the president of the Cuban Exporters Association and one of the wealthiest men in the country.

What does José's presentation reveal about his character?

José’s presentation shows his admiration for his father’s success and generosity. He is proud of his father's achievements and expresses a desire to follow in his footsteps.

What happens when José speeds on his motorcycle?

While José speeds recklessly on his motorcycle, a police officer notices but decides not to issue a ticket, likely because of José’s wealthy background, hinting at the privileges that come with his social status.

How does José spend time with his best friend, Pedro?

José and Pedro play with José's electric trains, and they discuss Pedro's crush on a girl named Silvia. José teases Pedro about not having the courage to talk to her, showing a playful and lighthearted side to their friendship.

What is significant about José's family dinners?

José's family dinners are characterized by luxury, with fine plates and red candles, reflecting their privileged lifestyle. These moments emphasize the contrast between José’s comfortable life and the struggles of the rural family in the first part of the story.