Analysis Of Toussaint L Ouverture

For a democratic government to function properly it requires equality and justice. The government must be protective and aim to serve the people rather than take advantage of them. Not every government is democratic as there are dictatorships and monarchies in place. As stated by political theorist and Yale University professor Robert Dahl: “Democracy prevents a government from oppressing its citizens. There are multiple examples throughout history—and even in the present era—of rulers who have adopted autocratic systems and deprived the public of fundamental rights as a result of their own psychological issues, including arrogance, suspicion, or egotism, or because of their unrelenting pursuit of ideological, religious, or nationalistic motives.
These principles go beyond politics and enter the realm of writing when authors are inspired by the efforts of activists. William Wordsworth was inspired by the revolutionary efforts of Toussaint L’Ouverture, leader of the Haitian Revolution from 1791 to 1802. In 1803, Wordsworth wrote “To Toussaint L’Ouverture”, a poem that speaks about Toussaint’s efforts and the inspiration his democratic principles left
He used this inspiration to motivate him when it came to his rise of power in the Haitian Revolution. He would likely agree with Thomas Paine who believed “man has no property in man.” Toussaint fought for equality, abolishing slavery, and independence for the people of Haiti and former slaves. He held prominent positions in the Haitian revolution for several years and was arrested in 1802. It was after his arrest and imprisonment that William Wordsworth wrote “To Toussaint L’Ouverture.” Wordsworth paints Toussaint as a hero in this poem but this is not because of Toussaint’s stance on abolishing slavery. Wordsworth wrote the poem inspired by what Toussaint stood for, rather than what he did.
At the time of this poem, Wordsworth lived a life that very much relied on the byproducts of the slave trade. Wordsworth admired the idea of a new democratic government and the principles Toussaint represented. In fact, as stated by professor at Washington State University Debbie Lee, “Though Wordsworth supported Toussaint's revolution in so much as it was an attack against tyranny, Wordsworth was not an advocate for abolition. Indeed, Wordsworth couldn't support abolition, he depended directly on the slave trade for his