Dead men's path

Michael Obi is the ignorant headmaster who fails to open himself to the knowledge and wisdom offered by the priest of Ani. In an altercation between these main characters, the priest’s role as a foil to Michael is made obvious.

The priest of Ani’s demeanor and choice of words suggests that he is a calm, open-minded and wise person. This is evidenced in his exchange with Michael.

Statements such as “what you say may be true” evince an open-mindedness and willingness to accept other people’s opinions. Also, the priest’s reference to the importance of ancestry in present and future life, namely “this path was here before you were born and before your father was born. The whole life of the village depends on it. But most important, it is the path of c...