The Kingdom of This World: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Kingdom of This World" is a novel that explores the complexities of power, oppression, and identity in Haiti during the era of slavery and the early years of independence. The analysis of major characters reveals a diverse array of figures that embody various aspects of this tumultuous period.
Ti Noël, a house slave and rebel, navigates the struggle for his people's liberation, symbolizing the sacrifice and resilience inherent in the fight for justice. In contrast, Monsieur Lenormand de Mezy represents the oppressive European colonial presence, marked by caricatures of decadence and ignorance. Mackandal, a fugitive slave and spiritual mentor, leads early rebellions, using both cunning and bravery, only to face a tragic end.
The character of Pauline Bonaparte illustrates the emptiness of European luxury, juxtaposed with the vitality of the Haitian struggle. Henri Christophe, the first black king of Haiti, initially emerges as a hero but ultimately succumbs to tyranny, reflecting the complexities of leadership and the dangers of power. Finally, Boyer, a mulatto ruler, represents ongoing struggles against oppression, despite attempts at reunification following Christophe’s downfall. This intricate character web highlights the themes of colonialism, resistance, and the quest for identity within the context of Haiti's history.
The Kingdom of This World: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alejo Carpentier
First published: El reino de este mundo, 1949 (English translation, 1957)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Haiti, Cuba, and Italy
Plot: Magical realism
Time: 1750 to after 1830
Ti Noël (tee noh-EHL), a house slave and rebel. He witnesses and, at times, participates in many of the events of the novel. He is faced with the problem of deciding whether he should use the knowledge he has acquired during the course of many years to answer the needs of his people. He represents an archetypal man caught up in the eternal struggle to improve the lot of future generations. His role is to suffer and sacrifice himself for his fellow humans on earth, not to redeem them for a reward in heaven.
Monsieur Lenormand de Mezy (leh-nohr-MAHN deh meh-ZEE), a plantation owner and Ti Noël's master. He is caricatured as having cheeks caked with powder and a stupid smile. After the slave rebellion led by Bouckman, he is forced to flee to Cuba. He functions as a representative of the oppressive presence of European culture and “civilization.”
Mackandal (mah-kahn-DAHL), a fugitive slave, a rebel, and Ti Noël's spiritual mentor. He has a deep voice and powerful torso. The first of the novel's four sections narrates his exploits. He led an early slave uprising that used the poisoning of livestock and people as a major tactic. He is finally captured and burned at the stake in 1758.
Pauline Bonaparte (poh-LEEN boh-nah-PAHRT), the wife of General Leclerc and a symbol of decadent European culture. Her frivolity, sensuality, luxury, and cowardice when the plague strikes, followed by her renewed self-indulgence while escorting her husband's body home to France, climax the presentation of white decadence in contrast to the virility and vitality of the black people.
Soliman (soh-lih-MAHN), Pauline's voodoo-practicing black masseur. He rejects his African past, works as Henri Christophe's valet, and travels to Rome with Christophe's wife and daughters.
Henri Christophe (ahn-REE kree-STOHF), the first black king of Haiti. He governs the country even more oppressively than did the French settlers before him. He is heavyset, barrel-chested, and powerful, and he wears an embroidered uniform. The third section of the novel deals with Christophe, a hero who becomes a tyrant. His rule is characterized not only by oppression but also by Europeanization and the rejection of local beliefs. The priests in his court are a parody of Christianity. The section ends with the collapse of his rule and his loneliness, betrayal, and suicide.
Boyer (bwa-YAY), a mulatto ruler. The fourth and final part of the novel deals with the government of Boyer (1820–1843), which saw continued oppression but also re-unification after the collapse of Christophe's government. During his rule, many of the old abuses are perpetuated, and there is a definite need for a renewed struggle against tyranny.