Edwidge Danticat the Book of the Dead Analysis

Alyssa Farrell

ENGL:2014

Claire Fox

3 April 2018

“The Book of the Dead” Journal

“The Book of the Dead” deals with the issues that stem from dishonesty and how the wounds that result from being lied to deepen the closer you are to the person. A young sculptor, Annie, is introduced as someone who holds her father to the utmost respect, sculpting him as a strong hero. But, as Annie uncovers her father was not a prisoner when he met his mother but an abusive prison guard who would torture the inmates, a lie that clearly reflected on how he views himself as a father as well. He goes as far to throw Annie’s father sculpture into a lake, likely because he is so discouraged as a father figure due to his dishonesty. Annie appears to be even more hurt by his actions towards her sculpture, showcasing how the lie created a downward spiral in their relationship. This short story delves into the importance of honesty in relationships as well as the promise that the truth will typically find its way out. The view of her father shifts from idolization and we are left with a fractured father/daughter dynamic. While this story was saddening for me to read as I am very close with my father, I can also resonate with how hurt I would feel if I had discovered dishonesty in the grounds of our relationship as well. Further, her father’s disgust with himself showcases how damaged one’s view of themselves can become when they get wrapped up in lies. They may reconcile but for now, Annie ends saying she has “lost her subject”.

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