ACCORDING TO THE NOVEL WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY OF THE DEAD ON THE THIRD DAY? CHAPTER 1-5

The funeral rituals continue into the third day, with Modou’s many friends continuing to come to the deceased’s house. Men and women eat in separate corners, with the men eating in silence and in contrast, the women loud, gossiping amongst themselves. Sometimes someone from the men’s corner reminds them to be solemn, but this warning is quickly forgotten and the volume resumes.

During the evening of the third day, visitors give monetary donations to Ramatoulaye and her co-wife, almost attempting to outdo each other in a strange way, she comments. This money is carefully recorded by her husband’s relatives as well as her younger sister. Ramatoulaye is delighted that she receives more money that her co-wife because she feels that her accomplishments in the community and time in the household are being acknowledged.