Migration In The Poem Parsley

Migration from the native country imparts an indelible scar in the psyche of the migrants. They not only migrate from their place of birth but also from their language, culture, tradition, food habits and the list is endless. Immigration gives them the trauma as they would take a voyage from the world of familiar to the unfamiliar. In addition to that the immigrants are compelled to understand and adapt to the culture of the new land, their life style, food habits, climatic factors and the political milieu. They immigrate hoping for a better world but it becomes a mirage in the newly settled land. Gradually they lose their self identity and are alienated. Rita Dove’s poem “Parsley” depicts how innocent people from Haiti who came as labourers for the sugar cane field were slaughtered for the hatred of Dominican culture by orders issued by Dominican Republican dictator General Rafael Trujillo on October 2, 1937. The poem “Parsley”

They pathetically unveil their position by stating that the persons who pronounce the word ‘perejil’ would live. These words express their sense of fear for life, lack of basic facilities, education, knowledge about human rights and liberty. The innocent workers are brutally slaughtered as per the order dictated but the hidden fact is that the influence of Haiti from Dominican culture is not entertained. The ruler has a fear that their native dialect might be influenced. Ana Cláudia Peters Salgado in her article “Borders and Boundaries in Rita Dove’s Poetry” states:

With this historical description the poet allows the reader to enter the world she is depicting, in a softer way though. Because even if the reader does not have any previous knowledge about the history she is telling in “Parsley” , he/she will be able to comprehend all aspects involved in it through Rita Dove’s skilful arrangement of ideas, words, and techniques.