Superstition

Superstition is given some validity and respect in this novel, as demonstrated by Mother's superstition eventually being acquiesced to by Father, as well as Abulu's prophesies proving to always be true. Ben's family is part of the Igbo tribe, a culture that his mother still embraces. Many times throughout the book, Mother snaps her fingers circling her hands overhead, a tribal superstition believed to ward off evil spirits from affecting one's mind. Cremating Boja instead of giving him a burial exemplifies another superstition. The Igbo believe that burying a person who commits suicide or fratricide (Boja did both) will infect the earth and cause evil to spring up in its place.

Father leans more toward Westernization because he sees benefits for his children to be successful in a Westernized culture. Mother and many of her friends, however, still hold onto the superstitions of their tribal culture...