We explained that where we come from the greatest achievement is to leave."
-- Narrators (Story 3: Exile paragraph 2)

Importance: In many of the stories in The Tower of the Antilles, Cubans leave Cuba for the United States. This quote reveals the themes of escape and immigration that are prevalent throughout the collected stories. This sentiment is shared by many of Obejas' characters, and the desire to leave Cuba is strong. Many characters in the book leave their lives, homes, and families behind because they believe that they will only find something better in another place.

We are citizens and we vote, not for a particular party, but for, and against, ideas. We know the Gettysburg Address and its admonitions to us, the living."
-- Narrators (Story 3: Exile paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote shows that many of the Cuban immigrants in The Tower of the Antilles come to America because of the democratic beliefs that it espouses. While a number of Americans are anti-immigration...