Symbol: Ogbuefi Okonkwo
Obi's grandfather is a symbol of an authentic and powerful Igbo man who is true to his culture and country.
Motif: the written word
The written word is associated with the white man, the Westerner, the colonizer. Throughout the text, writing is associated with those such as Isaac, who adhere to the white man's culture and religion.
Motif: paralysis
Obi is often incapable of thinking, responding, or decisively acting in the major crises of his life.
Symbol: the palm-nut shell
The palm kernel, with its white and black nuts, represents Obi's divided self.
