Why the Cocks (Roosters) Fight (Pages 52-104)

Summary:
 In the following pages of the book, a large amount of historical background information has been given.  Readers learn about cruel dictator Rafael Trujillo, and his goal of practically destroying all Haitians that dared disrupt "his country". Following that, readers also learn about the rise and fall of Haiti, and their never-ending struggle for them to become a strong independent country. In the next chapter, Wucker explains both the rise and fall of Columbus and Toussaint, and how it negatively affected both countries as a result of their failures. Also, the complete history on how the Dominican Republic came to be is carefully and thoroughly explained, including all the religious background of the country and their most important saints, such as La Virgen de la Altagracia and Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (the Virgin of Highest Grace and Our Lady of Mercy, respectively).
   Following the background information of the Dominican Republic, Haiti's complete historical background is also told, starting from the legendary Toussaint L'Ouverture. Following all the history, it is explained how the Haitians escaped to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic's capital) to escape violence and hunger (84). Although they looked for an escape, life in Santo Domingo was not any easier, simply because they had to pay for "hotels" that merely even deserved to be called hotels, and Haitians still fear danger following them.

Quote:
   "To try to escape, they once again are running to the center of Hispaniola, fleeing across the border in hopes of finding a means to survive" (Wucker 59).

Reaction:
   Proceeding with the book, readers truly learn a lot more on the history and fight for independence of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Starting with Hispaniola, Wucker breaks down the history of the island as a whole, then elaborates on how Haiti and the Dominican fought for their independence (respectively). Since the chapter was called "Massacre River", Wucker elaborates on the history of this river, as well as the dangers and legends of the border that separate the two countries. Moving through the book, Wucker uses third person point of view and allusions to retell the past of this island, and the immense struggles they had to endure. Wucker lets readers know that while everybody may have an image of both the Dominican Republic and Haiti as countries that get along and help out one another (or rather, the Dominican Republic gives a lending hand to Haiti), these countries share a cruel past that separate them rather than bring them together. Through this, Wucker has done a great job thus far in depicting the reality of these two countries.
   I chose this quote because it portrays the image of bonding between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Repeatedly, the book states everything that tears these two countries apart. This quote gives some positive light because, no matter how hard a situation, Haitians do have the ability to go to their neighbor country to find a better life for themselves. No matter how deep the scars, they still help each other out, which is a strange but strong bond these countries share to this day.