Rita Indiana and Dominican Republic History

A security measure that identifies individuals suspected of carrying a virus and releases lethal gas.

Automated machines that patrol streets and collect bodies of individuals deemed infected.

A machine that identifies the brand and price of nearby objects.

A state of isolation imposed on a person or area to prevent the spread of disease.

The machines' primary function is to collect and eliminate infected individuals.

The act of fleeing from a dangerous situation.

A substance that can cause death.

Forbidden or unlawful.

A method of preventing contact with infected individuals to avoid spreading disease.

The novel's depiction of Argenis's prejudices is distanced from the reader through a focus on his artistic interpretation, highlighting the contrast between his flawed character and the deeper meaning he unwittingly uncovers in his art.

Argenis's technical skill in classical painting is juxtaposed with his struggles to create contemporary art, suggesting a disconnect between his artistic talent and his deeply held biases.

Argenis's interpretation of the tarot card, The Page of Cups, reveals his misogynistic outlook and reductionist understanding of gender. Yet, also reveals his inadvertently deeper awareness of the deeper symbolic meanings.

Argenis's character is portrayed as an art-school graduate, coke addict, and call center employee, highlighting the contradictions between his artistic aspirations and his mundane reality.

The novel uses Argenis's artistic perspective as a lens through which the reader can see the underlying themes and symbolism, contrasting his biased interpretation with the deeper meanings present in the text.

A system of signs and symbols used to convey meaning, often within a specific culture or context. This can include gestures, language, objects, and actions.

A set of beliefs and practices related to the supernatural, often involving spirits, deities, and rituals.

The process of recognizing and interpreting meaning in a text or situation, especially by considering how elements combine and interact to create a deeper understanding.

A physical or symbolic object that is believed to have special power or significance, often associated with religious or spiritual practices.

An example from the text where Acilde's skepticism is evident. Acilde is initially skeptical of Esther's claims about the sea anemone and its power, but later learns that the anemone is real and valuable.

The process of debunking a claim by providing evidence or logical reasoning that disproves it.

The practice of using signs and symbols to represent or interpret reality, often in a way that goes beyond literal meaning.

A marine invertebrate with a polyp-like body structure, often found in shallow waters.

The act of acquiring something of value by exchanging it for something else, often in a bartering or transactional manner.

The anemone is used as a symbolic representation of power and control, reflecting the broader theme of the text.

The Taíno people were the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean islands, including Hispaniola, which encompasses both modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic. They were skilled farmers, fishermen, and artisans, and their societies and cultures varied across the islands.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Hispaniola, which he named "La Españiola", Latinized as Hispaniola. This marked the beginning of European colonization and the subsequent displacement and decimation of the Taíno people.

The Spanish Empire dominated the entire island of Hispaniola from the 1490s until the 17th century. They established plantations, extracted resources, and imposed their culture and language, which shaped the future of the island.

By the 17th century, Western European powers, specifically the French and British, began to establish their presence on Hispaniola. They competed with Spain for control of the island's resources and trade routes.

In 1697, Hispaniola was divided between Spain (controlling the eastern portion) and France (controlling the western portion). This division, based on colonial interests, would eventually lead to the creation of the modern-day Dominican Republic and Haiti.

The French colony of Saint-Domingue (Western Hispaniola) saw a booming plantation economy driven by slavery, with a significant influx of enslaved Africans. This influx led to a complex and volatile social structure with increased racial and cultural divisions.

In the 1790s, a massive slave uprising in French Saint-Domingue led to a successful revolution, abolishing slavery and establishing the independent Republic of Haiti in 1804. Haiti became the first independent black republic in the world, defying colonial control and offering a beacon of hope for enslaved people globally.

Acilde, still disoriented, asked Eric what he was doing. Eric, surprised, was seen writing symbols on the floor and walls.

Eric, holding an anemone, approached Acilde who was strapped to the bed and requested a mirror.

Acilde had a circular pattern of moles on his head.

Eric, remembering Acilde's previous female form and the intimate encounter at the Mirador, began to pray in a sharp and nasal tone.

Eric's prayer involved requesting a blessing for a new child. He prayed, “Iba Olokun fe mi lo’re ... Olokun, here is your child, Eric Vitier, Omioloyu ... paying homage and asking for a blessing.

Eric attached the anemone's tentacles to Acilde's moles.

Acilde, weak and unable to move, cursed while the tentacles remained firmly attached as if held by Velcro.

The anemone's smell transported Eric back to Matanzas Bay.

During the ritual, Eric revealed that Esther knew about the events unfolding.

Eric declared, 'I’m done for.', indicating his own imminent demise.