What is the theme of change?

The novel's central theme deals directly with change in terms of progress as opposed to tradition. Lakunle and Baroka represent both.... as Lakunle supports expansion, progress, and turning away from traditional beliefs in order to move forward. At the start of the play, he even goes so far as to say the villagers are a "race of savages".

Baroka represents tradition. He stands against progress, opposes the railway, and rejects his village becoming like all others.... losing its individuality. In the end, the author presents a picture of the village in which we see progress as a good thing for the people, but only if it preserves tradition and culture..... not at the expense of losing it.