The Dew Breaker

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 2004

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

This novel is divided into a series of nine interrelated stories rather than following one story throughout. Why do you think Danticat structured the novel in this way? How does this structure align with her goal of portraying Haiti’s past under a dictatorial regime?

Dany, one of the dew breaker’s tenants, enters the dew breaker’s bedroom at night and contemplates killing him because he killed Dany’s parents. Ultimately, Dany decides to let the dew breaker live. Why does make this decision? Is it the right decision? Why, or why not?

This novel seems equally divided between male and female characters. What do you think Danticat’s intention is in this regard? What similarities and differences do you see in the experiences of the male and female characters in The Dew Breaker?