Kleist’s Betrothal in Santo Domingo

Background Info to Heinrich von Kleist

Background Info to the Haitian Revolution

· The Haitian Revolution

· The Haitian Revolution Revisited

· contemporary sounds from a Haitian-born rapper

· History of Haiti

· The Haitian Revolution

General Dessalines Toussaint L’Ouverture

Maps of Haiti

Study Questions:

You can choose your own topic, choose from these or from the ones that Karla and Dawn provided further down:

For Homework for Tuesday of Week 9, please concentrate on questions 9-11!

1) Briefly describe the history of the Haitian Revolution that provides the backdrop for the story. What do you think was the significance of the Declaration of Man for the Haitian Revolution? Remember, Haiti was formerly called Santo Domingo.

2) How would you describe the style in which the story is told? Does it sound like a historical account, a legend, or something else? What do you think the author accomplishes by choosing this tone?

3) What is Gustav running from and why does he mistrust his host?

4) How do you explain Kleist’s portrayal of the change in Congo Hoango from a “loyal” slave to a “bloodthirsty” avenger?

5) What is the relationship between Toni, Babekan, and Congo Hoango?

6) At what point do you think Toni’s feelings for Gustav change from deceit to love?

7) What do you think is the significance of the story of Gustav’s fiancé Mariane for Toni’s future actions? Do you see parallels between the two figures and their dedications to Gustav?

8) Does Toni love Gustave, does Gustave love Toni?

9) Examine the color metaphors Kleist is using in this story. What are the attributes of black, white, yellow? For example, how does Gustav react to the racial ambiguity/otherness of Toni? In what context does the color black and white/darkness and light occur?

10)What is the significance of Toni’s skin tone as “yellow”? Is there a parallel to other metaphors of yellow?

11) Discuss whether Kleist is reproducing the stereotypes of his times here, or subtly reversing those meanings. In other words, who is the moral hero in the story?

Karla’s and Dawn’s Questions:

1) We know that Babekan is mulatto, so why do you think that she goes along with Congo Hoango’s plans?

2) Why doesn’t Toni warn the stranger about her mother’s plan, Congo Hoango’s arrival, or about tying him up?

3) Why would the mother stop talking to her OWN daughter despite this incident? Was the mother's beliefs that strong?

4) Does Gustave love her or use her? Does she love him, or use him?

5) Why does Gustave kill himself? Out of guilt, love, remorse?