Rita Dove's 'Parsley' delves into the Parsley Massacre, where Haitians were killed under Trujillo's regime for mispronouncing 'perejil.' The poem's dual narratives, from the Haitian laborers to Trujillo's perspective, reveal the horror and psychology behind the genocide. Literary techniques and symbolism highlight the themes of racial violence and the need for empathy.
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The Parsley Massacre was a brutal act of genocide orchestrated by Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1937
Duration and Impact
Trujillo's dictatorship lasted from 1930 to 1961 and had a profound impact on the Dominican Republic
Methods of Control
Trujillo used violence and oppression to maintain control over the country
The Parsley Massacre serves as a reminder of the human cost of racial discrimination and oppression
The first part of the poem is told from the perspective of Haitian laborers, conveying their fear and the constant threat of violence
The second part of the poem delves into Trujillo's psyche, revealing the personal sorrows and twisted logic behind his actions
The use of enjambment creates a sense of urgency and tension in the poem
The repetition of certain phrases emphasizes the relentless nature of the laborers' plight
Vivid imagery, such as the "parsley green" of a parrot's feathers, draws the reader into the historical moment
Various elements in the poem, such as the parrot and sugar cane, serve as symbols for broader themes
The poem explores the themes of fear, oppression, and the human capacity for violence
The central theme of the poem is the need for empathy and understanding to break the cycle of violence and suffering
00
The poem is structured in two segments, 'The ______ Fields' and 'The ______,' reflecting the Haitian workers' plight and Trujillo's brutal regime.
Cane
Palace
01
Dove employs literary devices like ______, ______, and ______ to highlight the poem's central themes of terror, subjugation, and the potential for human cruelty.
enjambment
allusion
repetition
02
Historical period of Trujillo's dictatorship
1930-1961, Dominican Republic under Rafael Trujillo's rule.
