Symbolism in "Cell One"

         In the story, titled "Cell One" in The Thing Around Your Neck, Adichie uses symbolism to illustrate Nnamabia's remaining innocence.  The innocent elderly man acts as a symbol of Namibia's own innocence through his pity and concern over the man's well-being.  Upon the elderly man's arrival, Nnamabia instantly develops feelings over sorrow and genuine concern for this man, even standing up to the guards in his defense.  This concern symbolizes the remaining childhood innocence, and character of Nnamabia, as he is the only prisoner to come in the old man's defense, while others act as bystanders, and even instigators.  Nnamabia is essentially a wayward soul, who is not meant for the cult lifestyle that he has begun to wrap himself in to.  By demonstrating his empathy for others, we as readers see that deep down he is not a bad kid, just one who is misguided.  The old man is a concrete representation of Namibia's innocence and empathy, acting as a key symbol in this short story.