Greed and Corruption

The mythical country in which this novel is set has recently won its independence from white colonial rule. Under that rule, the majority of the people were kept in oppression and poverty, while a few of the native people of the country had power because they served the white masters. When the country gained independence, those in power focused on feathering their own nests by taking bribes and amassing wealth. Chief Nanga is a prime example of this, because he lives in luxury while those he is supposed to serve are barely scraping by. Odili’s own father, who was a District Interpreter, was given many gifts by those attempting to win favor. Even the policemen who are supposed to protect citizens turn and walk away when Odili is being beaten, presumably because they are paid to do so by Chief Nanga.

What is even more...