Tells the story of an idealistic young politicians rise and fall Daam a wellintentioned but vacillating Europeantrained politician must choose between two social paradigms exemplified by his two wives The first Gagnesiri is the village beauty who waits patiently for Daam Unfortunately they are unable to conceive a child so Daam takes Europeaneducated Kiné who is eager to get ahead by marrying a politician Daam becomes involved in a shady business deal with Président a local businessman when the details are made public he is forced out in disgrace