Masters of Dew for Most

Masters of Dew

For most people, the kind of classic literature that is highlighting the effects colonialism on modern day society is often considered to be Uncle Tom's Cabin. Yet, when you look at little further, it is clear that many different contemporary Caribbean writers would often discuss the lingering effects that colonialism will have on their region. One book that captures these different views is Jacques Roumain's Masters of the Dew. Where, it tells the story of a young man returning to Haiti after working as a laborer in Cuba during the 1930's. The story is told through the eyes of the main character Bienaime Jean -- Joseph. Upon returning home he finds that his country is under the occupation of American forces since 1915. At the same time, the underlying amounts of poverty and deforestation were changing the landscape. As various corporate interests were seeking to exploit the country and the people. This is important, because it underscores how this novel would help to define the sense of frustration that many Caribbean nations faced in the aftermath of colonialism. To fully understand these different views requires examining the characters and symbolism of the novel. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights as to the underlying meanings that Roumain is trying to instill upon the readers. Once this take place, it will help to provide a better understand as to challenges that were faced by the people throughout the region in the aftermath of colonialism.

Characters

Through the main character (Bienaime Jean -- Joseph), Roumain is setting the overall atmosphere of the novel. Where, he would represent a sense of enlightenment and a new found attitude that many people would feel about the world powers. Where, they would dominate the country for one set of reasons, while using a different set to highlight why they are really there. In this case, Haiti has been ruled by the United States since 1915 and has been the victim of a new form of colonialism that is taking place. As various American owned corporations, are using the country as a way to provide them with additional resources and cheap labor. This exploitation of the people is similar to neo-colonialism, as it is allowing the island's wealth to slowly disappear. At the same time, the people will reap no benefits from what is occurring. Where, the government will look out for the interests of business at all times. When Bienaime returns from Cuba he is highlighting an awakening that has taken place, as he sees the exploitation and damage that has occurred to Haiti during the occupation. A good example of this can be found with the passage that says, "Cuba is a country five times, no ten, no perhaps twenty times as large as Haiti. But you know I made it out of this. Look at my color. Folks could say the soil has faded on me and you too. This land is black man's. Each time they've tried to take it from us, we have cleansed out injustice with the bladed of our machetes." (Roumain, 1944, pg. 74) This is significant, because it shows how Bienaime would represent the Haitian who was blind to the world, before he left for Cuba. After returning, he realizes that Haiti is going through another form of colonialism, which is having the same kinds of consequences. When you put these different elements together, this highlights how his perspectives of the world have changed. In many ways, one could argue that the main character is a depiction of this transformation that is taking place. Where, he would represent the old world of indifference and the new world that is standing up for what is rightfully theirs.

Symbolism

In the novel, Roumain is highlighting the symbolism surrounding the desperate conditions in Haiti. Where, the country was able to obtain independence from the French in the early 1800's. However, since that time they have wrestled with runaway poverty, corrupt governments, foreign invasions and totalitarianism. (Arnold, 1994, pp. 451 -- 464) These different elements are important, because the combination of them would help to contribute to the harsh conditions that often exist in daily life. As Haiti has the power to take charge of its own future, yet it is unable to do so because of these crippling effects. Over the course of time, this helps to fuel anger and a sense of helplessness, that no can be able to take charge of their own future. A good example of this can be found with the passage that says, "For years, hate had become with them a habit. It had given an object and a target to their impotent anger. Only there was one condition: that was reconciliation. And what did it cost them? A mere gesture, a few steps like walking over a bridge, and they would leave behind bad days of poverty, they would enter the land of abundance." (Roumain, 1944, pr. 131) This is significant, because this passage is highlighting the underlying challenges facing Haiti on a daily basis. Where, everyone becomes focused on themselves and angry about the entire situation (i.e. The poverty and harsh economic conditions). At which point, they will begin to take out this frustration on each other. This helps the foreigners and large corporations, who are able to exploit the country for its mineral resources. The way that this is accomplished, is by keeping everyone divided against themselves. At which point, the people will continue to face the same challenges, despite having fought for their own freedom. However, these issues can be rectified if everyone will work together, to deal with these various challenges.

When you step back and examine the underlying symbolism, it is clear that one could take these ideas of frustration, to underscore the sense of helplessness that many people are feeling. Where, they try everything to overcome the various challenges. Yet, there is always something standing in their way. This is important, because one could argue that these feelings of anger and frustration would boil over. As many people in the region would be able to relate to these different ideas, helping to fuel the independence movement that was seen throughout the region between: the 1950's and the 1970's. As everyone wanted to be able to address the years of injustice that were occurring, with a Russian Revolution style transformation taking place. Where, the people wanted to be able to seek out some kind revenge and level the playing field. However, over the course of time, these ideas of revaluation would slowly fade away after the independence movements. At which point, the region would continue to face the same challenges; only under a government ran by the indigenous population. (Carby, 1999, pp. 135 -- 144) as a result, one can draw a direct parallel between these feelings of frustration and the independence movement, helping to transform these societies.