Essay Questions

Why does Igwezu threaten Kadiye with a barber's knife?

Igwezu has returned to his village with no money, broke and in debt and worst of all he's lost his wife to his brother. He threatens Kadiye because he believes that the priest has stolen the sacrifices he offered for wealth and blessings in his life and marriage. In fact, he believes that the priest through his corruption stolen everything in his life that was meant to grow and create joy for him.

Why is the Beggar traveling through the swamp?

The blind Beggar has followed the river into the swamp village as he is determined to find a piece of land where he can grow crops for himself to eat. He no longer desires the alms of people who know his station in life is one that is of great despair. Because of this, he is willing to walk the length of the river to find a place he can call his own, no matter how far he must travel to do so.

What is the significance of Alu believing one of her son's is dead?

Alu has for years believed that her first son to leave for the city has died. She repeats it so much that it has created a divide between her and her husband. She learns that he is alive from her other son, Igwezu. But the significance of her belief that he was dead relates to the symbolic death her son has died. He has found great wealth in the city, but sends nothing back, not even a word to his family. Even worse, he takes his brother's wife without regret and even charges a debt upon his brother which claims his family's land as collateral. Alu has recognized a death within the soul of her child, and this is what she has experienced a belief in for years.