The Roman alphabet
The Roman alphabet symbolizes westernization in East Africa. In the novel context, the symbol represents the significance of empowerment for the locals. For the first time in history, locals started learning words and figures. The mastery of the Roma alphabet was a key indicator that the local people were becoming knowledgeable. Characters like Khalifa benefited from learning the Roman alphabet because it enabled them to get employment easily. Khalifa interpreted business contracts for his employers using the Roman alphabet.
The Maji Maji Rebellion
The Maji Maji rebellion symbolizes Africa's awakening. The movement is aimed at frustrating the activities of the Germans in all sectors of the economy. The activities of the rebellion included fighting the German soldiers head-on and boycotting work at the plantations. The leader of the Maji Maji rebellion brainwashed his troops so that they would not die when fighting the Germans. The resistance lasted for three years. In the context of the novel, the Maji Maji rebellion played a significant role in helping Tanzania to gain its independence.
The sisal plantations
The sisal plantations symbolize slavery. The German soldiers abduct Ilyas and Afiya to work in sisal plantations as slaves. The plantation owners want a cheap labor source. The abducted children are taught how to communicate in German to make it easy to work under instructions. The case of Ilyas and Afiya is a perfect example of how the sisal plantation owners manipulated and exploited the black people.
