In this essay, I will contrast the experiences of God and the self in the country of Paris and Diabolle. I will analyze the lives of Samba, the main character, and Samba's father (the Knight). Samba experiences of himself and God progressively change as he moves from Africa to the more modern in France. I will also discuss the role that the Thierno played in Samba's life and the differences of how they lead their lives. Lastly I will reflect on what I have learned from the contrast that I have described, and I will try to relate it to my own life.
             In this novel Samba Diallo comes from an aristocratic family, known as Diallobe's. Samba was raised in Africa where he was brought up in a strict environment that was solely based around religion. Samba was chosen to be the natural successor of Theirno the spiritual successor of the society. Samba is sent to a French school in order to both save his country from being overwhelmed by westernization and to learn the secrets of the white man's power in the west. This will be a difficult task for Samba because he was raised around religion and will be forced to try to understand a materialistic civilization in France, where God isn't seen in every part of life.
             Samba teacher says, "They say that the movement is spreading, and that soon, in the world, that same great cry against poverty will drown out the voice of the muezzins." The teacher concern is that the west might be able to drown out the crier who calls out the hour of daily prayer in the Muslim world. This shows his great fear of the western world and it's ability to change the world that they hold so sacred. He believes that the western world has forced religion out of everyday life and has become a strictly private and internalized act. The teachers concern shows how important religion is to him and the people of Africa. Samba from a young age was taught that the problem w...