A Man of the People Lesson Plan

Odili says that the normal hostility between him and his father was put away when Odili announced his political ambitions. However, he then says "very soon all that was to change, and then change again." Trace how Odili's relationship with his father changes by the end of the novel. Do you think Hezekiah himself has changed or just Odili's perception of him?

Hezekiah supports his son's political ambitions because he views politics as a means of personal gain. He thinks that Odili is finally using his education correctly, to put himself into a position of privilege and power. When Chief Nanga turns up to bribe Odili and Odili resolutely denies the money, Hezekiah is...