Custom and Tradition
A significant portion of the plot in Anowa revolves around the influence of custom and tradition, and the repercussions of deviating from societal norms. Anowa rejects many of these customs. She has declined to marry since reaching puberty, defying local traditions. Additionally, she has rejected every suitor for six years. Her stance perplexes her worried mother and somewhat confuses her father. Anowa has always been different—often described as wild and peculiar—but her unconventional attitudes isolate her from others.

This trait becomes even more problematic after she marries Kofi Ako. She assists him in starting a skin-trading business and contributes significantly to its operations. Traditionally, women are expected to manage the household and refrain from business work. Initially, Kofi Ako values her support but soon yearns for a wife who adheres to traditional roles. He even suggests purchasing slaves for their business. Anowa is horrified at the idea of owning people, although Kofi Ako argues that it is a common practice. Despite her objections, he buys slaves, amassing wealth, a large house, and many slaves. Anowa steadfastly refuses to conform to traditional roles, refusing to wear luxurious clothes or utilize slaves. Her defiance of custom leads to a hollow marriage and ultimately to her own suicide and that of Kofi Ako. Although Anowa stays true to her beliefs, her attitude causes suffering for those around her.

Pride
Anowa's actions are driven by pride. While her behavior might appear wild, strange, or even bizarre to others, it provides her with a moral and self-respecting center. Anowa is indifferent to others' opinions. She follows her own beliefs, disregarding the other characters' preoccupation with custom and tradition. She refuses to marry any of the suitors who have asked for her hand because she does not want to. When she finally meets someone she wishes to marry, Kofi Ako, she marries him despite her parents' objections. Work holds great importance for Anowa. She wants her husband to succeed and actively contributes to his business. Kofi Ako does not comprehend why she is so driven to work, but it instills a sense of pride in Anowa.

Anowa's pride extends beyond herself to how she treats others. When Kofi Ako suggests purchasing slaves to ease their workload and boost their business, Anowa is appalled. Her pride is balanced by her respect for human dignity. In phase two, she tells him, "Kofi, no man made a slave of his friend and came to much himself. It is wrong. It is evil." Despite her objections, Kofi Ako disregards her perspective and buys the slaves anyway. As their wealth increases, Anowa becomes increasingly unhappy, and their marriage suffers. Anowa finds herself with less to occupy her and, although she maintains her pride, she feels more and more isolated from the world. In many respects, her pride leads to her downfall. Her adherence to her principles demonstrates her strength, but it also seals her fate, culminating in both her and her husband's suicides.

Choices and Consequences
Many decisions in Anowa have significant repercussions. Badua's attitude towards Anowa directly results in Anowa's vow never to return to Yebi, a promise she keeps. Additionally, the choices made by Kofi Ako and Anowa appear to contribute to their childlessness. Initially, Anowa blames herself for their lack of children and repeatedly suggests that Kofi Ako marry another wife to solve the issue. However, Kofi Ako refuses and instead opts to buy slaves, believing wealth will address their problems. This decision strains their marriage to the breaking point. Anowa interprets his choices as evidence of his impotence, believing him to be less than a man. Her public accusation leads to their mutual, though separate, suicides. Anowa illustrates the profound consequences of difficult decisions and how they deeply impact lives like Anowa's.