Question

What does the word parsley symbolize to the general?

essential things in life
beauty among horror
domination over the Haitian workers
differences the immigrants present

Answer 1

The word 'parsley' symbolizes the general's "domination over Haitian workers", as seen in historical events where the pronunciation of the word was used to differentiate and persecute Haitians.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word 'parsley' symbolizes the general the domination over the Haitian workers. In historical context, this is associated with an event during the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, where Haitian workers were massacred in 1937. The shibboleth involving the pronunciation of parsley (Perejil in Spanish) was used to distinguish Haitians from Dominicans, the former often having difficulty pronouncing the trilled 'r', which led to their slaughter.

This symbol does not reflect the essential things in life, beauty among horror, or differences the immigrants present, but rather the harrowing exercise of power and control by one group over another. Throughout history, such linguistic tests have had dire consequences, serving as a means of enforcing social and political boundaries and exerting violence against marginalized groups.

Answer 2

In the context of "The Comedians" by Graham Greene, parsley symbolizes beauty among horror. The novel is set in Haiti during the Duvalier regime, where the Tontons Macoutes, the secret police force, terrorized the Haitian people. The parsley is used by the General to cover up the smell of the bodies of the victims of the regime. The parsley, which is associated with freshness and beauty, is thus used to mask the horror and brutality of the regime. This symbolism highlights the stark contrast between the beauty and the horror that coexist in Haiti during this period.

Step-by-step explanation: