In many cases, the chapter titles seem to represent metaphorical values of the people and places to which they refer, as much as to the specific people/places. Discuss the metaphorical values of each chapter title, as manifest in the individual chapters and in the narrative as a whole.

In what ways do the various glimpses of character and relationship in Chapters 1 and 2 play important roles in the development of the novel? Consider specifically the generation-defined tension relationship between Niakoro and Ad'jibid'ji, the juxtaposed references to Diara and Tiemoko, Sounkare's attitude towards the strike, and Maimouna's instruction to Samba. In what ways do later events in the characters' lives reflect, illuminate and/or ironically comment on events in the first two chapters?

Discuss the different ways in which the various characters define, for themselves, respect ... freedom ... and security. Discuss also the ways in which...