Furo's Black Buttocks

When Furo transforms into a white man, the only thing which remains black is his buttocks, symbolizing Furo’s inability to escape his old life entirely. Throughout the novel, Furo struggles with identity. He comes to the conclusion that he should change his identity completely, so he cuts ties with his family, changes his name, and eventually wants to move out. However, at every attempt, Furo is presented with a difficulty; something that tethers him to his old life. His black buttocks represents these difficulties, because it is the source of most of his insecurity; it is the only visible remnant of his old life.

Syreeta

Syreeta Symbolizes Furo’s dependence on a maternal figure. She provides him with food, shelter, and emotional comfort, much like his mother did before he transformed. There is recurring evidence that Furo has strong maternal dependence throughout the...