Personal Beliefs/Relationships with Death

Personal beliefs about death vary among the living. In this novel, Errol, Darwin, and Yejide, all have different beliefs about the dead. This is demonstrated by the way they treat those who have passed away. Errol’s actions show that he believes people cease to exist when they die. Darwin changes his belief that the living should have nothing to do with the dead to his understanding that the dead have the ability to communicate with the living if they so desire. Yejide learns that she and her family serve as stewards for the dead. They are responsible for assisting the dead to rest peacefully.

Errol and his followers steal from the dead and desecrate their graves, demonstrating that he believes the dead are no different from refuse that can be treated any way they wish. When Yejide first visits Fidelis in...