Family Obligation

One of the most consistent sources of distress for Korede is her sense of obligation towards her family, specifically towards her younger sister Ayoola, and in this way, the novel illustrates how unrelenting senses of familial obligation can become destructive and unhealthy. Korede has been conditioned since childhood to feel that she must help and protect Ayoola at all costs and in all situations. Korede’s mother has consistently told her that “I am the older sister—I am responsible for Ayoola” (93). This dynamic serves to rob Korede of her own sense of agency and identity, while robbing Ayoola of all sense of personal responsibility. The deleterious effects of this dynamic are portrayed in extreme fashion as Ayoola develops into a serial killer. Korede’s lack of personal freedom is demonstrated by the fact that instead of exposing Ayoola’s crimes, she becomes an accomplice...