Oswald Durand facts for kids

Oswald Durand (born September 17, 1840 – died April 22, 1906) was a famous Haitian poet and politician. Many people called him "Haiti's national poet." He wrote in both French and Haitian Creole. People like René Depestre and Jacques Roumain saw him as a pioneer for Haitian culture.

Durand was born in Saint-Louis du Nord, a city in northern Haiti. In 1842, his parents died in a big earthquake that hit Cape Haitian. His grandmother then raised him and his sister. He spent most of his childhood outside his birth city. Because of political problems in Haiti, he had to leave school. He taught himself without a teacher.

His most well-known works are Choucoune and Chant National. Choucoune is a beautiful poem about a Haitian woman. Chant National is a historical poem that became very popular.

Durand worked as a teacher before he became a politician. He was elected to Congress in 1885. He was re-elected six times after that. He also started or worked for several newspapers and publications.

A Career in Public Service

In 1860, Oswald Durand started working as an elementary school teacher. By 1867, he was the director of a high school in Gonaives. He even created his own newspaper before becoming a professor.

In 1868, he became the secretary for the council of ministers. He was then elected as a delegate in 1885. In 1888, he became the president of the Chamber of Deputies. As a journalist, he created his own newspaper called "Bigailles."

Before he passed away, Oswald Durand achieved a big dream. He traveled to France and was honored by famous writers. People saw him as a national poet. He often wrote about social issues in Haiti. His poems in Rires et Pleurs show why he was celebrated as Haiti's national poet. Durand wanted to show the social life, nature, and history of his country. He used themes like love, the land, and freedom in his writings.

Standing Up for Haiti

In his poem Epopee des Aïeux, Durand showed his deep love for Haiti. He praised the brave actions of Haitian ancestors. They fought to free enslaved people. He described Haiti's history as wonderful and full of glorious events.

He also showed his patriotism in his poem Ces Allemands. In this poem, he wrote about how Germany treated the Haitian government unfairly. During an event called the Luders affair, Haiti was forced to agree to Germany's demands. Germany asked Haiti for a large sum of money. They also demanded an apology and a special ceremony. Durand's poem spoke out against this unfair treatment.

His Time in Jail

Besides being a poet and writer, Oswald Durand also had legal troubles. In 1883, he was sent to jail because of his political views. While he was in jail, he wrote his famous poem Choucoune.

He disagreed with the government of President Lysius Felicite Salomon. Because of this, he became a political refugee. During his legal problems, he found safety in a foreign embassy in Cap-Haitian. While there, he wrote a review of a poem called Mon Ile Bien-Aimee.

His Most Famous Poems

In his poem Choucoune, Oswald Durand praised the beauty of Haitian women. This work became very popular around the world. He used the Haitian Creole language in his poem. He also used rhyme styles from other countries.

Later, the poem Choucoune became even more famous. In 1893, an American pianist named Michel Mauleart Monton composed music for the poem. It was first performed in Port-au-Prince on May 14, 1893. The poem's lyrics later became a song. In English, this song is known as "Yellow Birds." It was sung in a Calypso style by artists like Harry Belafonte and Celia Cruz. In 1961, an instrumental version by Arthur Lyman became a big hit.

Another important work by Oswald Durand is Quand nos Aieux briserent leurs entraves. This poem became the national song and anthem of Haiti from 1803 to 1904.

Selected works

• Rires et Pleurs - published 1897
• Choucoune - published 1883
• Chant National
• Ces Allemands - published 14 June 1872
• Pantoum Triste
• La Mort de nos Cocotiers

Images for kids

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  Oswald Durand, Haiti's national poet.

See also

In Spanish: Oswald Durand para niños