The ability to extend one's mind and be open to novel ideas or .
concepts can prove to be quite rewarding in life. The knowledge .
and insight gained from expanding one's horizons can sometimes .
save an individual from a predicament that would have otherwise .
befallen him.
In Chinua Achebe's short story "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 children coming in to be born -, shows his .
wisdom. Such wisdom is further expressed in the priest's parting .
words "I have no more words to say" to a narrow-minded and .
imprudent headmaster.
Unlike the priest, the headmaster of Ndume Central School, .
Michael Obi, is not a likeable character. He is both narrow-minded .
and foolish. His comments such as "We cannot allow people to .
make a highway of our school compound" and "The hole purpose .
of our school is to eradicate just such beliefs as that. Dead men do .
not require footpath our duty is to teach your children to laugh .
at such ideas" point to his narrow-minded ways. Furthermore, his .
lack of respect for his elders or authority figures and his careless .
choice of words, namely "I don't suppose the ancestors will find .
the little detour too burdensome", which offend other people's .
deeply held beliefs and values are hallmarks of a disrespectful, .
