What are the motifs in So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba?

The novel highlights the recurring idea of education as a key to freedom and enlightenment. Modou’s denying Binetou her continued studies is tantamount to taking away her potential power and freedom. Aunty Nabou limits her namesake’s exposure to education, as it is counter-purpose to the traditional customs she wants to instill in the girl. Aissatou, already a teacher, continues her studies upon her divorce - first casually by reading at home, and later in formal institutions in Senegal and France. In a symbolic sense, her education provides her so much freedom it allows her to travel all the way to America, a land of hope and opportunity. Rama values education as precious, and her greatest pleasures to be her children’s accomplishments.