Discussions on the major characters in the Novel Analysis of their roles and significances - SS1 Literature Lesson Note
Yaremi:
Role: Yaremi is the novel's protagonist and central character. She is a widow who has lost her husband, Ajumobi, and must navigate the challenges of widowhood in a traditional Nigerian village.
Significance: Yaremi's character embodies the themes of grief, resilience, and the struggle for personal agency. Her journey from mourning her husband's death to asserting her independence challenges societal expectations and serves as a lens through which the reader explores the clash between tradition and modernity.
Ajumobi:
Role: Ajumobi is Yaremi's late husband, whose death sets the novel's events in motion. Although he is deceased, his memory and the impact of his life continue to influence the characters.
Significance: Ajumobi's significance lies in the memory of him and the traditional gender roles he represented. His absence shapes Yaremi's experiences and decisions, and his legacy underscores the societal norms and expectations that Yaremi and others must grapple with.
Ayanwale:
Role: Ayanwale is a young drummer in Kufi who becomes close to Yaremi, and their relationship evolves throughout the novel.
Significance: Ayanwale represents the clash between tradition and modernity. His youthful exuberance and interest in Yaremi challenge conventional norms regarding age and relationships in the village. His character highlights the theme of personal growth and change in the face of societal expectations.
Segi:
Role: Segi is Yaremi's neighbor and friend. She provides emotional support and companionship to Yaremi throughout the novel.
Significance: Segi's character exemplifies the importance of female friendships and solidarity in a traditional village. She represents a source of comfort and understanding for Yaremi as they navigate the challenges of widowhood together. Segi's character highlights the theme of community and support.
Ojerinde:
Role: Ojerinde is a member of the village council and plays a significant role in Yaremi's life, particularly concerning her late husband's property.
Significance: Ojerinde's character represents the traditional power structures and patriarchal norms that influence decisions within the village. His interactions with Yaremi and his role in the property dispute underscore the clash between individual rights and communal expectations.