Content Warning: The source material and this guide contain references to enslavement, rape, suicide, and violence.

Poison is a motif that develops themes of both Racial Violence Under Enslavement and The Power of Nature. Early in the novel, Macandal becomes the Lord of Poison, and much of the ensuing uprising of enslaved Haitians seems to be accomplished through the harshness of the environment itself: Disease and poison are constant risks, yet they only affect the enslavers. Even after Macandal’s death, poison remains an important weapon in the struggle for freedom. Pauline Bonaparte and other colonizers finally leave after another wave of sickness, and King Henri Christophe is deposed after he falls ill. Poison seems to be a natural ally of those searching for freedom.

Dogs symbolize the violence and brutality of enslavement. Dogs are the enemies of the enslaved Haitians because they can be trained to chase and kill people. During Bouckman’s rebellion, dogs are burned alive, and Macandal tests his poison on a dog before launching his campaign against the white enslavers. Later, a ship of dogs is sent to “eat blacks” in retaliation, although they do not succeed.