Kolanut (Symbol)
When Odili visits Edna at her home, she offers a kola nut for her father and Odili to share. The kola nut is a bitter, caffeine-containing fruit of the kola tree. Traditionally, the kola nut is served in West African societies to indicate hospitality, friendship, and respect. In this scene, Odili comments on the ravenous way in which Edna's father consumes the kola nut. Although the fruit is meant to symbolize a mutual offering, here it is rather an occasion for Edna's father to reveal his greedy and avaricious nature.
The Stain on Odili's White Shirt (Symbol)
After Odili and Edna have their bicycle accident, Odili notices that his "new white shirt carried a thick patch of indelible red-earth" (95). This symbolizes how Odili feels about his developing relationship with Edna. Although he previously believed that he could successfully steal her away from Chief Nanga, the bicycle accident profoundly damages his pride and masculinity. After this occurrence, Odili feels as though Edna will not want to be associated with him. He considers their relationship tarnished, and he must work harder to win her over.
Education (Motif)
Throughout the story, Odili consistently comments on education and its significance in his life. For Odili, receiving a top-tier education distinguishes him from his peers and provides him with the opportunity for social mobility. Although Odili devotes his life to educating himself and others, he feels conflicted about the inextricable ties between Western imperialism and African education. These contradictory opinions drive Odili's actions and serve as points of reflection during the story.
Language (Motif)
While Odili narrates the story in British English, the novel also features excerpts in Pidgin English. Additionally, characters such as Mrs. Nanga speak in an unidentified African language. Each language bears significance. For example, British English predicates a certain sense of formality and level of education. Pidgin English, on the contrary, is most often spoken by domestic workers. Interestingly, Mrs. Nanga exclusively speaks in Pidgin English. Although Odili speaks nearly exclusively in British English, he also struggles with the fact that speaking in this way demonstrates the continuing influence of colonial power in Africa.
Cars (Motif)
The motif of cars appears throughout A Man of the People. Cars signify social status and economic success. When Chief Nanga and Odili go to pick up Elsie from the hospital, it is exciting and impressive that they travel by car. Later in the story, Hezekiah Salamu is excited by his son's political involvement because it means that they can share access to a Cadillac.
