Chapters 31-40 Summary

Kunta often sits at the edge of the formal sessions of Juffure's Council of Elders, which passes judgment on cases brought to it in accordance with the principles of Islam and traditional village law. Everyone is treated fairly by the Council; even slaves can bring cases against their Masters. People wishing to marry must obtain the permission of the Council, and this may be refused if it is discovered that one of the partners is not of good character. The council hears many charges of adultery, in response to which the offending man is usually required to give up his possessions to the wronged husband, or to become his slave for a period of time. Repeat adulterers may be publicly flogged as required by ancient Moslem law.

Kunta learns that a husband can divorce a troublesome wife by putting three of...