The Farming Of Bones Analysis

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Recommended: Symbolism in farming of bones

“I knew he considered Joel lucky to no longer be part of the cane life, travay te pou zo, the farming of bones.” -Amabelle, The Farming of Bones After reading The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat for summer reading, I have decided that there is one, broad, underlying theme of the novel: the exploration of racial prejudice, the impact of nationality and race on human life, and a closer look into the inequality and discrimination against people of color. Specifically, in this story, the discrimination against Haitian people in the 1930’s Dominican Republic. The story is presented by a Haitian girl named Amabelle, who shares firsthand the acts of cruelty she witnesses, making it impossible for anyone reading to ignore the wrongful actions of the Dominican soldiers surrounding her. Besides the violence, she shares the unfairness in the daily life of a Haitian worker in the 1930’s Dominican …show more content…

Unfortunately, life today compared to life in the book is not much different, in regards to racial prejudice. It’s sad to say it, but the actions towards colored people in the book are not any less common today. No, people do not own slaves today, but the judgement towards those who do not look like the majority is the same. Often, there is a judgement made about someone that is a complete stranger, and it is all because of the color of their skin. Again, just like in the book, people in positions of power abuse the power, and then are not punished because those who are not affected pretend that nothing has happened. Acts of violence are done to people, and everyone else turns their backs to avoid confrontation, instead of doing something to change why it happened in the first place. Though this novel was a journey, and it made me worry I’d have nightmares because of the violent images, I’m glad I read The Farming of Bones because it further opened my eyes to the prejudice that is still occurring around me

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