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Seances d’animation
Water Hyacinths
In their native yet intrusive nature, water hyacinths represent the internal hypocrisy of “the new African” as the President tries to define him, separate from and yet intrinsically of Africa and its past. The first…
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Masks and Costumes
Masks and costumes symbolize the exploitation of African history and identity to gain power. The performance of identity, especially through clothing and physical objects, is a constant motif throughout the novel. Masks can be worn…
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Latin Mottos (Placards)
The prescience and historical irony of the various Latin mottos and placards that Salim encounters symbolize the dangers of ignoring the past and history’s tendency to repeat itself. When Salim first arrives in the town…
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