Define “syncretism” and explain why syncretism is an important phenomena in the Caribbean. Read Miguel Barnet, “Biography of a Runaway Slave,” Alejo Carpentier, “Journey Back to the Source,” and Nicolás Guillen “Bongo Song” through the lens of the “repeating island” and look for syncretism. Identify the examples of African culture and what examples of European culture appear in each piece. What evidence do you see of “syncretism” — or the fusing of African and European cultures in each story? (300 words)