Culture- defined by the beliefs, traditions, behaviours and societal forms that a group upholds. A difference in culture can lead to the unison or tension in characters, especially when historical ties are involved. Presumably, in 419 by Will Ferguson, culture builds a basis for the character interactions across the globe; it also provides context for the majority of novel set in Nigeria. Incorporating tribal identities, cultural differences, and religion, the characters’ deep roots in culture is prominently evident throughout the pages.
Firstly, tribal identity is a recurring motif. The use of tribal names can be found on almost every page, for example, “Egobia was from the Igbo language, the language spoken in Port Harcourt and the upper…show more content… Notably, food represents a significant role with this concept, especially when Amina, from the Sahel, temporarily stayed in Nnamdi’s Ijaw village. The first instance occurs when Amina was a guest in Nnamdi’s home, fed fish from his mother- “She was grateful...but she was from the Sahel, and she needed lamb, not fish,” (279). An exchange in culture, through the form of cooking, later ensues, “Amina...shyly, with gestures more than words, demonstrated how to mash the yams first then knead in the garri powder. A pinch of salt...a final knead and then a quick toasting, flipping it twice then eating it quickly, while it was still warm,” (282). Their exchange of culture defines mutual understanding despite the difference in background; likewise Nnamdi’s mother shared her own methods, “Dip a dumpling into pepper soup, and you have yourself a meal,” (282). Alternatively, the Ijaw carried many sayings and beliefs, another display of cultural difference. One of the most famous sayings was, “Do not bury me childless!” (376). It signifies the desire of contributing another life into the world. Those being Nnamdi’s last words portray how he not only believes strongly in ideals that are now considered folklore, but has accepted Amina into his life so strongly that he had adopted her unborn child into his family. Another one of the strong Ijaw beliefs is ‘kro’, “The power children have,” (283) in…show more content… The Ijaws were mostly diviners, a bond Ironsi-Egobia and Nnamdi made. “We have a diviner in our midst! A fortune teller,” (375); He uses this to mock Nnamdi’s beliefs, just like he used Christianity to threaten Winston. Nnamdi is alone in his belief in spirits, his mother having given up long after her husband died.
There are also small mentions towards Islam, despite it being in Amina’s context, “Nnamdi...running from the mosque,”
Therefore, the novel shows how culture has built character interactions across the globe, and provides context for the majority of the novel set in Nigeria. Persistent mentions of tribal identity pave the basis of cultural interactions, ingrained in each of the characters’ identity. Other cultural differences, in the likes of food, folklore, and language bridge the gaps for characters with experiences built continents away. Religion adds another layer onto the cultural interactions, may it be Christianity or divine
