preview

God's Bits of Wood Essay examples

Better Essays

AP Literature and Composition Summer Reading God’s Bits of Wood Characters (by region) Bakayoko- Bakayoko is the novel's central character, in spite of the fact that he doesn't actually appear in person until more than two thirds of the way through. Until his return to the Thies / Bamako / Dakar region, (Chapter 16), his presence is theoretical and inspirational rather than physical, his beliefs and actions defining choices for both pro- and anti- strikers, for both those who respect him and those who don't. In short, even while the narrative line is defined by the actions and circumstances of other characters, Bakayoko is a constant presence, undeniably a leader, and a profoundly complex human being, simultaneously idealistic and …show more content…

Deputy-Mayor: African mayor who is puppet of French; one of members of French National Assembly (=Congress, or Parliament); for French, against strike. Fatou Wade: old woman who 'adopts' Ibrahim Bakayoko. Major Plot Events * The narrative begins with a poetically written description of the land in which the story unfolds as well as a glimpse of nature that provides a vivid contrast to the machine-defined lives the novel's many characters live. * The fundamental conflict is captured in two people, Dejean (the French manager and colonialist) and Bakayoko (the soul and spirit of the strike). * The evolution of the strike causes an evolution in the self-perceptions of the Africans themselves, one that is most noticeable in the women of Bamako, Thiès, and Dakar. * These women go from seemingly standing behind the men in their lives, to walking alongside them and eventually marching ahead of them. * Women go from supporting the strike to participating in the strike. Eventually it is the women that march on foot, over four days from Thiès to Dakar. * The women's march causes the French to understand the nature of the willpower that they are facing, and shortly after the French agree to the demands of the strikers. Theme In conclusion the main theme of “God’s Bits of Wood” is the changing role of women. The evolution of the strike causes an evolution in the self-perceptions of the Africans themselves, one that is most

Get Access