Background:
Tracy Kidder’s story of Deogratias Niyizonkiza in Strength in What Remains is touted as inspirational, a work that captures “what it means to be fully human” (back cover). And one might argue that most of this is due to the true-life character of Deo, whom we meet and with whom we travel through hell and back within the text. But we must not overlook the fact that it is only through the skillful narration of Kidder that we see Deo fully. The role of the author is powerful! And in Jean-Philipe Stassen’s graphic novel, Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda, we encounter the fictional account of the Rwandan genocide through which we are exposed to similar atrocities, similar relationships between Hutu and Tutsi individuals, and a somewhat parallel experience of a young man, uncannily named Deogratias. The expectations for the work also mirror the reviews of Kidder’s text. In the introduction to Stassen’s work, Alexis Siegel writes:
Stassen’s compassionate narration and his beautifully expressive artwork enable us to imagine the unimaginable, in a way that few will forget. We come through the fire of that experience a better person, I feel, because it is only through deep, heartfelt understanding that we have a chance to overcome—within ourselves, first—the false divisions that have brought such horrors into the world.
And find reasons to hope.
Both authors seem to have devoted their time and attention to capturing these events in an effort to bring understanding and hope to the reader. And they do so with a focus on a central figure named Deogratias. But beyond the obvious similarities, there are also shocking differences in the ways the two young men are portrayed. And this makes us consider, do we agree with Siegel’s statement? Has Stassen’s novel given you reason to hope, made you a better person? Or has it diminished your faith in humanity? In other words, what effect has Stassen’s work had on you and why? And how does his depiction of the central character contribute to that effect?
Your Task: In a 5-6 page thesis-driven essay, argue your opinion in response to the following questions: Is Deogratias of Rwanda a sympathetic or unsympathetic character? Why? And how does this presentation of Deogratias affect your opinion of him, your view of others involved in the conflict, or your understanding of the crisis, the region, the culture, or even humanity at large?
