Sankofa

The Sankofa represents the need for people to look to the past in order "to make positive progress in the future" (424). One main purpose to this book is to tell the story of the Asante people and how English forces tried to destroy that culture. By starting the book with the Sankofa symbol, Alexander conveys the importance of this past as well as its dignity.

Shakespeare

Shakespeare represents English culture. Mr. Phillip makes Kofi read Shakespeare with him as punishment. Kofi enjoys this but does not let the teacher know because he does not want to give in to that culture. He later quotes Shakespeare to his friend who urges him to speak in Twi. Shakespeare represents the best of what British culture has to offer, but Kofi does not want to give in to it as he feels a loyalty to his own culture.

River Offin