A Man of the People | Style

A Man of the People Style

Point of View

A Man of the People is told in the first-person by an active participant in events, evidently soon after they unfold. The narrator, Odili Samalu, has been beaten nearly to death by followers of Chief Nanga, his former teacher, would-be benefactor, and opponent in a one-sided election. Violence spreads until the Army steps in and overthrows the regime, taking Nanga into custody and vowing to try the fallen ministers. Odili is still so bitter, it appears he is producing his account within months. For the first half of his story, Odili bends over backwards to be fair to Nanga without ever denying his views have changed. Odili is an ambitious young man and welcomes the powerful minister's help, provided all understand he is not for sale. When Nanga seduces Odili's date, everything changes. Odili and Nanga become sworn enemies, rivals for another young woman, and eventually political opponents. Odili as...
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