A Man of the People

During the course of his campaign against Nanga, Odili sees—and even collects—signs declaring him a traitor. The signs, sanctioned by Nanga, disappear after Odili mentions them. Odili is upset by this because for him, the signs suggested that Nanga feared him. Their subsequent removal privately strengthens Nanga’s position because this action is akin to Nanga asserting that he is not afraid of Odili. 

The bodyguards are a symbol of corruption, not only because corrupt politicians have them, but because they are necessary in order to survive amidst corruption. Odili needs bodyguards in order to safely move about the area campaigning. Additionally, the bodyguards themselves are not above corrupt acts, as evidenced by the fact that Boniface wants to have Nanga’s car destroyed.

Achebe uses pidgin to characterize the dialogue spoken by the populace. Where the wealthy and the intellectuals use English, most of the people speak in pidgin, which is similar enough to English to be understood, but different enough to stand on its own. Nanga often speaks in pidgin when he wants to connect with the masses, so that they feel like he is still one of them, despite his wealth and position.

As another symbol of connecting with the populace, Nanga often wears robes or the national costume. When he goes to give his speech at the exhibition of authors, he criticizes Jalio for wearing something other than a suit or the national costume, thinking his wardrobe disrespectful. This also highlights Nanga’s desire to appear to be a nationalist, which is what the people of the newly-independent nation want, even if he is only serving himself.

Odili’s radio is a symbol of his obsession with his vengeance. He cannot stop listening to the news, particularly when Nanga is mentioned—which is often, and despite the fact that his own party is never mentioned, even when they send information in for a report. It’s also a symbol of propaganda in that Nanga has control over what news is reported and when.