Bokomoko

What I found interesting about chapters 15 and 16 were the return of Bokomoko. I was wondering why the author had decided not to introduce his character physically into the novel, but merely left him as an idea and rumored figure throughout the story. The women keep discussing him, the men ponder his return, Touti reevaluates her morals for this guy, but we don't ever really get the whole picture of who this character is. His elusive character in the novel almost gives him a profit like presence when he returns to Thies. I wondered why the author brought him back just as the strike was taking a turn for the better, or so the men thought by the reactions of the French. I also found his character intriguing because he does have a mysterious way about him. I thought it was interesting how upon his arrival his own uncle was unsure if he had actually been there or if he was merely dreaming. Bokomoko's character came off to me as more of a spirit-like character. He came off as elusive and mystical and his presence gave the people hope, like a profit does. I think that his presence in the novel is suppose to signify a change in events and that he will make a difference in the course of the novel, and hopefully pick up the pace a little. I'm a little tired of this dried out sob story.