Previous

Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Fire

The fire Maame creates to escape her enslavement sets off a chain of events that will plague both sides of the family for generations. Since Effia is left behind to be cared for by Baaba after the fire, she is eventually forced to marry a British slave trader, James Collins. The evils done by this branch of the family in slavery and colonization will haunt Effia’s descendants, climaxing in Akua setting her family’s house on fire as she is haunted by these horrors. Though Akua learns of her family’s past evils, her granddaughter Marjorie still retains a fear of fire, suggesting she still feels guilt for the sins of her ancestors.

The Black Stone Pendant

Maame leaves identical black stone pendants for each of her daughters, Effia and Esi, which becomes a symbol of their shared heritage. Effia’s pendant is passed down for generations, showing her family’s connection to its heritage. However, Esi cannot retrieve her pendant before being captured and taken to America. This loss shows how enslaved people are robbed of their heritage. Esi never has the chance to pass down her pendant, and so her descendants do not have a physical connection to her. However, Marjorie unknowingly reconnects both branches of the family when she gives the pendant to Marcus as they swim in the ocean in Ghana.

Scars

Characters on each side of the family carry scars, physical reminders of the trauma they have experienced as a consequence of colonization and slavery. They face discrimination not only for their race but also for their scars. This demonstrates how powerful the cycle of generational trauma and institutional racism is. Ness receives a brutal beating for trying to escape the plantation known as “Hell.” These scars keep her from being able to work inside the house instead of out in the fields. Ness’s grandson, H, receives scars while working in the mine, physical markings that cause others to ostracize him. Yaw is scarred when Akua burns down the family’s hut, showing how he and his family still suffer from the sins of his ancestors.

Water

Characters on each side of the family carry scars, physical reminders of the trauma they have experienced as a consequence of colonization and slavery. They face discrimination not only for their race but also for their scars. This demonstrates how powerful the cycle of generational trauma and institutional racism is. Ness receives a brutal beating for trying to escape the plantation known as “Hell.” These scars keep her from being able to work inside the house instead of out in the fields. Ness’s grandson, H, receives scars while working in the mine, physical markings that cause others to ostracize him. Yaw is scarred when Akua burns down the family’s hut, showing how he and his family still suffer from the sins of his ancestors.

Previous section Motifs

Take a Study Break