Perhaps the most important dichotomy in TotBB (in terms of 'moving' the story along) was the internal struggle of many of the characters between their ambitions and their internal need to 'do the right thing'. At the start of the book, Kayo dreams of being a forensic analyst for the Ghana Police - to have the opportunity to BE corrupt, and to be on the other side. He wants monetary success, to drive a Range Rover instead of his old Golf, to rake in massive paychecks, but when given the opportunity to achieve all of his ambitions, Kayo's dream becomes less and less straightforward. While before he had KNOWN how corrupt the police and the government was and never had a problem with it in general, Kayo is unsure for a long period of time whether to write a false report that would further his career, or tell the truth - that he couldn't actually solve the mystery. Kayo eventually decides on furthering his career, but is overcome with regret about his decision, and takes it back on the ride out of the village with Donkor, nearly getting himself executed.
We don't know as much of Donkor's story, but what we do know is this - he started at the bottom of the chain, and through dishonesty, corruption, and efficiency through cutting corners, he rises to nearly the top of the police ladder, achieving his long time dream, with apparently few regrets.
No comments:
Post a Comment