One of the lessons deals with the power of traditions and customs and what happens when a person tries to change those customs and traditions. Anowa refuses to take on her traditional role as a woman in her society. As a result, she committs suicide as well as her husband, Kofi Ako. Anowa remained true to what she believed, but in the process of following her own beliefs, she hurt others.

Pride is another lesson because pride is Anowa's downfall. She shows how strong she is by sticking to what she believes, but her pride leads to her death as well as her husband's death.

We can also learn about the consequences of the choices we make in our lives. Kofi Ako chooses to buy slaves, and this choice leads to the destruction of his marriage, and the eventual ending of his own life.