Toussaint L'Ouverture

Name: Toussaint L'Ouverture
Author: John Greenleaf Whittier

The poem tells the story of Toussaint L'Ouverture's life and struggles against slavery and colonial rule in Haiti. It portrays him as a heroic figure who rises from humble beginnings to lead a successful slave revolt, eventually becoming the leader of Haiti's fight for independence. The poem highlights his intelligence, courage, and strategic thinking, as well as his commitment to ending slavery and establishing a free black nation.

By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1856 · Genre: Historical Poetry, Political Commentary, Narrative Poetry · 2,149 words

First lines

Toussaint L'Ouverture, the black chieftain of Hayti, was a slave on the plantation "de Libertas," belonging to M. Bayou. When the rising of the negroes took place, in 1791, Toussaint refused to join them until he had aided M. Bayou and his family to escape to Baltimore. The white man had discovered in Toussaint many noble qualities, and had instructed him in some of the first branches of education; and the preservation of his life was owing to the negro's gratitude for this kindness. In 1797, Toussaint L'Ouverture was appointed, by the French government, General-in-Chief of the armies of St. Domingo, and, as such, signed the Convention with General Maitland for the evacuation of the island by the British. From this period, until 1801, the island, under the government of Toussaint, was happy, tranquil, and prosperous. The miserable attempt of Napoleon to re-establish slavery in St. Domingo, although it failed of its intended object, proved fatal to the negro chieftain. Treacherously seized by Leclerc, he was hurried on board a vessel by night, and conveyed to France, where he was confined in a cold subterranean dungeon, at Besancon, where, in April, 1803, he died. The treatment of Toussaint finds a parallel only in the murder of the Duke D'Enghien. It was the remark of Godwin, in his Lectures, that the West India Islands, since their first discovery by Columbus, could not boast of a single name which deserves comparison with that of Toussaint L'Ouverture.

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Toussaint L'Ouverture is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1856 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
Date: 1856 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Poetry, Political Commentary, Narrative Poetry, Social Justice Literature, Romanticism
Length: 2,149 words
Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Poetry — The work focuses on the historical figure of Toussaint L'Ouverture and his role in the Haitian Revolution, blending historical events with poetic expression.
Political Commentary — The poem addresses themes of oppression, freedom, and the struggle against colonialism, reflecting on the political implications of slavery and resistance.
Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through its verses, depicting the life and struggles of Toussaint L'Ouverture in a narrative format.
Social Justice Literature — The themes of racial injustice, the fight for freedom, and the critique of slavery position the work within the realm of social justice.