Introduction: “The Dew Break”
“The Dew Break” by Edwidge Danticat transports readers to the lush landscapes of Haiti, where the morning mist unveils secrets as delicate as the first light of dawn. Although it is not a conventional novel in the sense that its narrative follows a linear stream of events, “”The Dew Breaker”” by Edwidge Danticat features seven interconnected long stories revolving around a central character and a common theme. Overall, the novel serves as a critique of dictatorial regimes where individuals are compelled to flee into exile.
Common People in “The Dew Break”
Edwidge Danticat vividly portrays the corrupt, severe, oppressive, and barbaric conditions faced by the common people of Haiti in “The Dew Breaker”. Through her characters, she reflects the alienation and yearnings inherent in human nature, crafting them in a way that evokes a sense of dashed hopes, unfulfilled aspirations, and isolated expectations. These characters become ensnared in a web of endless desires, symbolizing not only lost hopes but also the limited horizons of human existence. Danticat adeptly illustrates the chaos pervasive in Haiti under the dictatorial regime, with her characters perpetually striving to erase painful memories. Through her writing, the author underscores the deficiencies of human nature, painting a poignant picture of the human condition.
Characters in “The Dew Break”
The narrative of “The Dew Breaker” underscores the central role played by its eponymous character, portrayed as an average Haitian immigrant residing in Brooklyn with his wife and daughter. Despite living a seemingly resigned life, “The Dew Breaker” harbors knowledge of horrifying incidents, having been involved in the sinister activities of the Tontons Macoute during the 1960s under François Duvalier’s regime.
Named for his brutality, “The Dew Breaker” and his cohorts carried out their nefarious deeds in the early hours of the morning, when dew settled on leaves. Their grim task involved kidnapping residents from their homes, terrorizing neighborhoods, and committing numerous murders. One tragic victim was a beloved preacher who dared to speak out against government atrocities, meeting his demise at the hands of “The Dew Breaker” and his men.
The scar on “The Dew Breaker”‘s face serves as a haunting reminder of his despicable past, bearing witness to the atrocities he once perpetrated. It stands as a testament to the beast he once was, a symbol of the darkness that still lurks within him.
The cast of characters in “The Dew Breaker” extends beyond the immediate family of the titular character to include previous victims and their families. Each character’s circumstances serve as poignant reminders of “The Dew Breaker’s dark past, whether they reside in Port-au-Prince or have relocated to the United States. Despite their efforts to rebuild their lives, the specter of the past looms large, haunting them with memories of torn bodies and shattered dreams.
Whether they choose to remain in Haiti or seek refuge abroad, these characters grapple with the lasting scars of their experiences. The memory of the departed ones remains vivid, serving as both a source of comfort and a painful reminder of the losses they’ve endured. In their hearts, the departed are not merely echoes of the past but integral parts of their present, guiding their actions and shaping their identities. Through their interactions with the dead, these characters navigate the complexities of grief and resilience, finding solace in the enduring bond between the living and the departed.
Dew Breaker
Edwidge Danticat portrays the character as a symbol of the tumultuous existence experienced by Haitian-Americans. By delving into the character’s destructive past, Danticat sheds light on the challenges and disparities faced by this community. Through her writing, she creates a palpable sense of dread, illustrating how the shadows of the past can cast a long and haunting shadow over the present.
In “”The Dew Breaker”,” Danticat explores the darkest facets of human nature, showcasing the ways in which past traumas can continue to reverberate through current circumstances. She underscores the notion that our history shapes our present, emphasizing the profound impact that past events can have on an individual’s life. Through her narrative, Danticat offers a profound meditation on the interconnectedness of past and present, illuminating the complex dynamics that define the human experience.
Narration
The narrative delves into the trials and tribulations faced by the victims, exploring themes of lost hope and shattered aspirations. Through the characters’ tumultuous pasts, Danticat illuminates the dire consequences of a society plagued by unchecked violence and unrest. Despite the pervasive sense of hopelessness that pervades their lives, Danticat emphasizes that there is still room for optimism. Even in the face of adversity, the characters cling to a glimmer of hope for a better future.
In highlighting the resilience of the human spirit, Danticat underscores the inherent strength and optimism that define human nature. She argues that hope is an intrinsic part of the human experience, resilient in the face of even the harshest of circumstances. Through her narrative, Danticat offers a powerful testament to the enduring capacity for hope and resilience that resides within us all.
Characterization in The Dew Break
In “The Dew Breaker”, Edwidge Danticat employs a subtle approach to characterizing “The Dew Breaker”, often revealing aspects of his nature indirectly through the experiences of other characters. It is through the devastating impact he has on the lives of his victims that readers gain insight into the complexities of his character.
One particularly illuminating perspective comes from Anne, whose persistent hope for transformation offers a glimpse into his potential for change. Through Anne’s eyes, “The Dew Breaker” is seen as a figure capable of redemption, adding depth to his character beyond his violent past.
Perhaps the most intriguing portrayal of “The Dew Breaker” is through the lens of his daughter, who remains blissfully unaware of the darker aspects of her father’s past. To her, he is simply a caring father figure, providing a stark contrast to the perception of him held by others. This dynamic adds richness to the character of “The Dew Breaker”, revealing the complexity of his identity and the varying perspectives through which he is viewed.
In “The Dew Breaker”, Dew Breaker affectionately refers to his daughter as “Ka,” drawing from the Egyptian term for soul. For him, his wife and daughter represent a refuge from the haunting memories of his past. However, when his daughter discovers the truth about her father’s past, it shatters her perception of him as a loving father, causing profound shock and disbelief.
Edwidge Danticat masterfully constructs a gripping narrative in “The Dew Breaker”, utilizing the roles of side characters to effectively contextualize the dark past of Dew Breaker. The plight of his victims serves as a stark reflection of the brutality inherent in his nature, highlighting the impact of his actions on those he has harmed.
Flashbacks detailing Dew Breaker’s past form a significant portion of the narrative, offering insight into the haunting memories that torment him. Through these glimpses into his past, Danticat explores the complexity of Dew Breaker’s character and the weight of his remorse for the atrocities he has committed.
Opinion about “The Dew Breaker”
I am of the opinion that “The Dew Breaker” is well-narrated. The author has depicted the characters in a convincing fashion, successfully creating the desired effect through her writing. The narration is well-structured, relying on the interplay between characters to create an enthralling impression of the atrocities within Haitian-American society. Edwidge Danticat follows an organized pattern in the story, grasping the reader’s attention from the very beginning and retaining their interest throughout the narration. The unfaltering action of the story makes it an even more compelling read.
Works Cited: “The Dew Break”
- Vega González, Susana. “Exiled subjectivities: the politics of fragmentation in Edwidge Danticat’s “The Dew Breaker”.” Revista Canaria de Estudios Ingleses (2007).
Relevant Questions about “The Dew Breaker”
- How does Edwidge Danticat use the character of “The Dew Breaker” to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the lasting impact of past actions in “The Dew Breaker”?
- What role do the side characters play in providing insights into the complex nature of Haitian-American society and its historical traumas in “The Dew Breaker””?
- In what ways does Danticat employ narrative structure and storytelling techniques to create a sense of tension and intrigue throughout “”The Dew Breaker”, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish?
