Toussaint and Calhoun

A major difference separating these two characters is the books that they are depicted in. The Black Jacobins is an historical novel whereas in The Middle Passage, Johnson has the freedom to do what he wishes with Calhoun. Both men are ex-slaves that have profited from an education and identify themselves with a certain nationality. Calhoun sees himself as an American while Toussaint identifies himself with the French. For James, he sees Toussaint’s allegiance to the French as one of his major flaws, ultimately causing him to fail. Further, Toussaint seems to be more proactive and loyal to one side while Calhoun’s fluctuation of allegiance demonstrates passivity in his character.

I think that James seems to be more sympathetic than Johnson in his treatment of the main character. Toussaint is treated as an icon or hero, who takes his freedom and leads a rebellion, while Calhoun is portrayed as a more down-to-earth character with more flaws and weaknesses. Eventually, however, Calhoun seems to reconcile his situation while Toussaint fails desperately trying. Note that Calhoun had less on his plate than Toussaint, who had to struggle with the masses of Haiti, the mulatto class, and the French. Since they have similar leadership qualities, Calhoun succeeds due to his insignificant amount of responsibility compared to Toussaint. Given less to deal with, perhaps Toussaint would have succeeded as well.