The Dew Breaker

Scars in this novel symbolize markers of Haiti’s traumatic past. They can be either physical or psychological; however, most of the important symbolic scars in the novel are physical. Ka’s father, for example, has the scar on his face to testify to his misdeeds. On the other hand, Estina, Dany’s aunt, has her blind eyes and burned hands to testify to the violence done to her and her family. We understand that many of these scars will not go away; instead, we have to hope that the next generation will learn from the scarred generation and prevent such trauma from happening again.

Additionally, there is a deceptive element to these scars, particularly in Part 1. Ka’s father lies to conceal the truth behind his scar, and he often uses his hands to hide it from view. He regards his scar as a brand, a public reminder of his past, when he was a cog in the machine of the Haitian regime. Although others do not know what the scar really means, Ka’s father can never forget, and just as the scar is permanently etched into his skin, his personal history is an indelible mark on his conscience and soul. Still, his deception creates tension between him and his daughter.