Schoolhouse

The schoolhouse where Lakunle works is symbolic of Lakunle’s association with youth, modernity, and the future. Lakunle seeks to let go of the past and of old customs. He spends his time with children who he educates in modern ways so that in the future there will be more people who think the way that he does, in contrast to the older residents of the village who do not share his views.

Pail of Water

The pail of water, which Sidi carries on her head and which Lakunle tells her will damage her neck, is symbolic of Lakunle’s disregard for the traditional ways of doing things and his paternalistic attitude towards Sidi. Although Sidi and the other women of the village have always carried water in this way and have not discovered it to be harmful, Lakunle nevertheless announces that it is not something...