The message in Chapter 7

In the chapter, Odili’s emotions surrounding his budding relationship with Edna reveal the narrator’s own insecurities as he grapples with his masculinity. For Odili, the bicycle accident symbolizes his inability to adequately control the events in his life. Although he unceasingly takes steps to advance his political and romantic standings, his plans are thwarted by events beyond his control. These hiccups greatly affect Odili’s confidence and cause him to take extreme measures to restore his sense of dominance.

When Odili finally musters the courage to confront Edna about his feelings for her, he is ultimately unable to be vulnerable. Rather than professing his love, Odili instead chooses to attack her current marriage offer. In this way, Odili again underscores his feelings of insecurity and inferiority when he compares himself to Chief Nanga. Edna’s reaction prompts the audience to further analyze the role of women in the story. While Odili blames Edna for being submissive to her arrangement, he fails to recognize the lack of control or power that women have in their society.