Breath, Eyes, Memory

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

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Discussion Questions

Background

Authorial Context: Edwidge Danticat

Edwidge Danticat was born in Haiti in 1969. Her parents moved to New York shortly after her birth, leaving her to be raised by her aunt and uncle. Danticat followed her parents to New York years later, eventually graduating from Brown University with a master of fine arts.

Much of Danticat’s work, including Breath, Eyes, Memory, is at least partially autobiographical in that it deals with Haiti, Haitian Americans, and themes of immigration. In particular, she is interested in the idea of identity and how one forms an identity—especially someone who has roots in multiple nations like herself. She considers herself Haitian, yet also understands that she exists as a writer as neither fully Haitian nor fully American, instead creating an identity that exists largely outside of the two.

In Breath, Eyes, Memory, this idea is prevalent in the exploration of the theme of Home as a Construct. Sophie struggles with her past and the trauma it has created, feeling as though she is neither fully Haitian nor fully American, and instead must create an identity that merges the two. Additionally, she recognizes that there are both positive and negative aspects of each, which work together to create the person she is despite the struggles that they have caused.

Historical Context: Haiti

Haiti is the only nation in history created by a successful revolt of enslaved individuals. In 1804, the enslaved people on the island overthrew their French enslavers and declared independence, becoming the world’s first Black-led republic. From the start, this new nation was perceived as a threat by the colonialist powers that continued to dominate much of the world. In exchange for recognizing Haitian independence, France demanded that the new Haitian government pay restitution for the loss of what they saw as their property in Haiti—including the formerly enslaved people themselves. The resulting debt vastly outstripped the young country’s gross domestic product, crippling its economic development for many years to come. In addition, Haiti was ostracized by the international community and barred from global markets, making its development even harder to accomplish.

As explored in the novel, these conditions led to a long history of brutal dictatorship and violence. Under François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who was initially elected as president in 1957, Haiti’s government shifted to a military dictatorship. Papa Doc created his Tonton Macoutes, which were military police he used to torture and murder political opponents and dissenters. When his son, Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier took over in 1971, he continued his reign of terror and created an atmosphere where people feared to speak out in any form against the government—even in private. They utilized vodou religion and Haitian mythology to give themselves god-like status which would ensure their rule until 1986, when Baby Doc was overthrown by a populist uprising. Haiti continues to suffer from poverty, violence, and natural disasters such as hurricanes which all hinder the country’s growth and development.

At the time of the novel, the Duvalier regime has been overthrown, but there is still violence and protest as people attempt to root out Duvalier’s supporters. For example, although the Tonton Macoutes were officially disbanded at the end of Baby Doc’s regime, they still terrorize the citizens of Haiti and enforce military law.