Genre
Historical Fiction
Setting and Context
Ghana and the United States, from the early 1800s through the early 2000s
Narrator and Point of View
Third person omniscient
Tone and Mood
Serious
Protagonist and Antagonist
Major Conflict
Since the novel is made up of many short stories, there are small conflicts within each chapter, most of which are centered around interaction between whites and Africans or African-Americans. However, it could be said that the separation of Maame's descendants is the overarching conflict of the story.
Climax
Marjorie and Marcus face their fears of fire and water on the beach of Cape Coast.
Foreshadowing
The African villagers' distrust of white colonists foreshadows the cruel treatment of Africans and African-Americans by whites over the next three centuries.
Understatement
Allusions
Allusions are made to Fante and Asante religion and folktales. Allusions are made to classic literature in the chapter titled "Marjorie."
Imagery
Vivid imagery, especially of the abuse slaves suffered while at the Cape Coast Castle and on plantations in the American South, is utilized to communicate the horror of slavery.
Paradox
Parallelism
Many parallels are drawn between the related characters in the book. These include Willie and Sonny both working at the same jazz club, the name Kojo being used for two characters, and many characters being marked by scars.
