I. Overview
Persuaded by Rita, Israel finds himself back in the limelight as one of
Cuba's most famous and revered composers. Although, he re-enters
the world of stage performance, post-war happiness will not be found until
he undertakes the musical instruction of Pilar Blanca. Through their
lessons, Israel rediscovers the joy of music and companionship. Six
years have past since his return from Buchenwald and the physical and mental
toll of his internment overcomes him. Israel passes away, experiencing
a myriad of flashbacks reminiscent of the musical notes of his childhood,
floating and falling around him.
II. Analysis
Ritas reappearance in Israel's life leads him back into a modified concert
circuit as he performs with her at the Tropicana and a program honoring
President San Martin. Although he resumes his role as Cuba's Maestro Levis,
Hijuelos alludes to Israel's loss of musical passion through his vision
of the Milky Way as a “faded silk scarf of stars�
(322). Where these stars once held the images of a heavenly creation,
they now represent a faded image of the divine, similar to Israel's view
of himself. Although he continues to play masterfully, the joy of
music no longer permeates his soul, as his thoughts center more on Rita
and her reactions rather than his reaction to the music. Hijuelos
examines Israel's slow adaptation to post war Cuba, as he reflects upon
how Germinal, as a reminder of his relationship with Sarah and time in
Paris, was never finished. Yet, he does find time to undertake the
instruction of Pilar and nurtures her as both a teacher and father figure.
Until this time, Israel continued to maintain an emotional distance from
those around him, but this young girl reawakened his sense of humanity.
Hijuelos refers to Israel's inability to refuse a kindness after his time
of imprisonment, however this aspect of Israel's personality represents
a return to his former self, as he often assisted those whom he felt displayed
musical talent. Hijuelos marks a final turn in the narrative with
the section "A few Years Later, An Autumn Afternoon." As nature begins
to slow its processes in preparation for winter, Israel begins a final
inventory of his achievements and memories. Through his reflections
and his speculations upon who will remember him, Hijuelos introduces the
reader to Israel's imminent death. As death creeps upon Israel, he
enters into a dream world of memories encapsulating the most important
events of his life along with the mundane. In this dream sequence,
Hijuelos portrays the life of a man in the few images of family, friendship,
love and human connection. Through these images, Hijuelos transports
Israel Levis back to a time of peace, when music mattered most and love
surrounded all.
III. Questions
1. How do you interpret Hijuelos'
introduction of Pilar into the novel? Does she in some way represent
a recreation of Rita?
2. How do you interpret the
final Chapter A Simple Postscript? Why would Hijuelos choose to end
the novel with this section?