The Dark Child

What are the motifs in The Dark Child by Camara Laye?

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Sacrifice appears as a reoccurring idea in the story. In chapter two, Laye's father sacrifices his time to make the gold trinket for the woman, and she sacrifices some of the gold she has painstakingly collected. When characters in the story need a favor from their god, they make sacrifices to add weight to their prayers. Laye's father makes sacrifices that his son might be able to go to the best schools and have any opportunities he is willing to take. During the rice harvest, Laye's young uncle sacrifices his ego for the good of the group. He could harvest the rice faster than he does, but he doesn't want anyone to feel badly. He wants the group to work in unison, so he sacrifices his will for the betterment and morale of the group.