Throughout the novel Dreaming in Cuban, it becomes apparent that the personalities of Lourdes and Pilar are polar opposites. Because of this, their relationship as mother and daughter suffers tremendously. Each have a completely different way of viewing things. Lourdes is very narrow-minded in her thinking. She believes that everything is what it appears to be, and tends to be pessimistic. She also refuses the idea of change. On the contrary, her daughter as an artist, Pilar views the world, as well as anything that becomes a part of her life, very open-mindedly. It can also be implied that she is optimistic in her views as well, and open to change.

The single most evident incident of these two personalities is during the time of the revolution. Lourdes cannot stand the idea of a revolution in Cuba and is entirely against it. While on the other hand, Pilar...