A Man of the People

Chapter Three details Odili’s travel to the capital on Nanga’s invitation. Before he goes there, he makes his way to his home village of Urua. His reasons for visiting are twofold: he wants to see his father, and he has promised Peter the chance to see his family before they move on to Bori. As they prepare to visit Urua, Odili becomes jealous of Peter because Peter is using his meager earnings to buy his parents presents and is excited for their anticipated gratefulness. Odili feels he has no one to experience that with, since his mother is dead and his father has sworn never to accept a penny of his.

Odili then reveals much about his family, especially about his father, Hezekiah, who is a retired District Interpreter. Men in his position were both worshipped and feared by the people for their power and place, particularly as they serve directly under the District Officer. Because of this, Odili grew up with as many enemies as he did friends. Hezekiah’s biggest desires in life are to have more children and to marry more wives. He and Odili argued recently because Hezekiah married a young girl, his fifth wife, and already has thirty-five children he doesn’t bother providing for.