The rubble
The rubble in which Shorty is trapped symbolizes Haiti's misfortunes. The novel deeply explores modern-day and ancient Haiti, and one common factor that emerges is a calamity. In the novel, Shorty is trapped in the rubble and will die if not rescued. In the past, the French colony enslaved Haitians, and they were subjected to immense suffering. Things have remained the same in modern Haiti after independence. Shorty narrates about poverty, crime, natural disasters such as earthquakes, and other misfortunes affecting modern-day Haiti. Consequently, the rubble in which Shorty is trapped shows Haiti is not yet free because people still face challenges like in the past centuries.
Site Soley Slum
Site Soley slum is a symbol of poverty. Shorty describes life in the slum to paint a picture of hopelessness. The slum is within Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. There is a big gap between the rich and the poor. Shorty and his sister were born in the slum, where they have suffered for their entire lives. There is violence and crime in the slums. For instance, thugs kill Shorty's father, and a gang kidnaps his sister. Shorty is depressed, and he joins criminal gangs to terrorize the city's residents to earn a living. Shorty's description of the slum life shows misery, solicitude, and hopelessness.
Toussaint
Toussaint is a symbol of courage. In the 1790s, Haiti was under the oppressive rule of the Frenchmen, who subjected the locals to slavery and misery. Toussaint was the first enslaved person in Haiti who boldly initiated a revolution against the French. When other enslaved people saw that Toussaint was courageous and strategic, they joined him in the revolution. The revolution continued until Haiti became the first Black Republic in history. Nick Lane uses the character, Toussaint, to show readers that change begins with one bold person.
