Essay Questions

How does Nick Lake explore the harsh realities of the continued post-colonial suffering of the Haitian people?

The novel has two storylines, one in the 18th century and the other in the 20th century. Nick Lake’s storyline in the 18th century shows readers the struggles and sufferings the Haitian people went through at the hands of the colonizers. For instance, the Haitians were subjected to slavery and other mistreatments. Courageous characters such as Toussaint led fierce revolutions against the French colonizers until Haiti gained independence. In the current storyline, readers expect post-colonial Haiti to be a free state with equal opportunities, a stable political environment and a fair distribution of public resources. However, a big paradox exists because modern Haiti is worse than the colonial era. There is rampant poverty, and many people live in slums. Shorty and his family live in Site Soley slums. A few wealthy Haitian political classes control most of the country's resources. As a result, rampant insecurity, crime and poverty continue to remind Haitians that they are not yet free.

What is the emblematic connotation of Voodoo as used In Darkness?

Voodoo symbolizes the Haitian people's cultural spirituality and connection to the spirits. Nick Lake uses Voodoo as a vital component of Haitian customs, mysticism and individuality. Whenever the characters in the novel want to connect with the spiritual world to seek direction and solace, they perform rituals. When Shorty finds himself trapped in the hospital rubble, he reconnects with the spirit of Toussaint to plead for guidance on what he should do next because his chances of survival are minimal. Similarly, Manman introduces her children to Voodoo early in their lives because she believes that is the only way they can appreciate their culture and religion.

What is the significance of the character Dread in the novel?

Nick Lake uses the character Dread to illustrate why residents of slums engage in criminal activities. Dread is a gang leader involved in the undercover sale of illegal drugs. However, readers note that Dread is doing all this because he wants to raise money to educate Shorty and his sister. Dread knows what he does is wrong and condemns his rival gangs not to kill people. Even if Dread's character is not justified, readers learn that slum dwellers have limited opportunities due to poverty, illiteracy and lack of adequate infrastructure to make them independent.