One of the primary themes of the novel is the dangers of the detribalization of the people of Gikuyu. Jomo Kenyatta presents an image of a culture bound together through unity and loyalty, and through a sense of public and social responsibility that is taught to children from birth through the entire culture. The native Gikuyu educational system, taught by parents, teaches social and family responsibility. The political structure of the Gikuyu is based on these same ideas of social and tribal responsibility, as are the marriage ceremonies, age grading customs, and all other customs and social norms of the culture. F