The title of the second story in Danticat's collection, "1937" signifies how much the writing is steeped in Haitian history. You need to know a little about this history to truly understand the images and references in the collection, especially this story, especially the title of the story, and especially the third story, "A Wall of Fire Rising." When reading these two pieces (or before you read or re-read them), look up some information on Haiti and its history. Learn a little about the significance of the folowing things:
1937
voodoo religion
Massacre River
Boukman
Toussaint Louverture
Duvalier (Papa Doc)
tonton macoutes (from 1st story)
