I reacted most strongly to the part about Okonkwo's dinner with his two daughters, Obiageli and Ezinma because of his respective treatment of them. Ezinma seems very responsible and kind-natured, as seen when she willingly lights a fire for her stepmother, Nwoye's mother; her stepmother even refers to her as "Ezigbo", "which means 'the good one'" (41). And yet when Ezinma appears at her father's supper, he shouts at her to "sit like a woman" (45). Obageli, on the other hand, breaks pots by "[swaying] her waist like a grown-up young lady" (44) and laughs at it until she reaches the village, where she assumes the proper repentant face. As well, she goes so far as to police her father on speaking with his mouth full. Not only does Okonkwo tolerate this, he praises her for having "more sense" than Ezinma, who is older.
This links to the detail that jumped out at me; Okonkwo actually is "specially fond of Ezinma" (44). Yet he criticizes her and praises her less-well-behaved sister instead; this is at odds with his previous actions, in which he was quick to come down heavily on those who showed the slightest fault. Also, there could be some sort of connection between this anomaly in Okonkwo's behavior and Ezinma's mother, Ekwefi. Special emphasis seemed to be placed on how Okonkwo beat her at the smallest provocation and even took a potshot at her - does it relate to his not-so-preferential treatment of their daughter, whom he apparently favors?
Okonkwo has been established as a character who is inflexible in his ideas, very obstinate and stolid, but now displays contradictory behavior. Could previous actions then be analyzed differently in light of this new example?
The event I reacted the most stronly to was the instance when Nyowe's mother lies to protect Ojiugo. I find it interesting that the wives are not in competition, but rather, the eldest is looking out for the others. I also thought Nyowe's mother must have been very brave, seeing as how fiery a temper Okonkwo has and how he could have punished her severely for her lie. Furthermore, it seems that people of the same status of Okonkwo's family live somewhat harmoniously despite Okonkwo's impatience and gruffness. Nwoye and Ikemefuna, who are like brothers, get along very well. This detail was interesting because in seems that in such an oppressed household, that those within it should feel the pressure to look out only for themselves. Instead, they band together in spite of Okonkwo's harshness.
I reacted most strongly to the close relationship shared by Okonkwo's wives and children. For example, Okonkwo's second wife Ekwefi shares a close bond to her only daughter Ezinma. I am able to discern the attachment between these two because Ezinma seems to be able to speak freely with her mother - asking her trivial, unimportant questions that one would clearly not dare to bother Okonkwo with. In one instance, Ezinma asks her mother if it is true "when people are grown up, fire does not burn them" (40). She then tells her mother her eyelid is twitching. Noting Okonkwo's fierce nature, I cannot imagine Ezinma or anyone else for that matter asking Okonkwo such things. Also, this closeness is even apparent between the two wives, who openly communicate with each other and care for their children mutually. This interests me greatly as I find it ironic that in a household where a man is as aloof and unexpressive as Okonkwo, the rest of his family can hold such a close bond.
The most interesting little detail was when, after nearly killing Ekwefi, Okonkwo first displays a hint of concern and care for his family. Okonkwo checks on Ekwefi to make sure she is okay and wasn't injured in his raging fit. Seeing she is fine, he "[heaves] a heavy sigh and [goes] away with the gun" (39). So even this seemingly heartless human has some inner emotion for his family.
I reacted the most when Okonkwo pulls his gun out and almost shot his second wife, Ekwefi. First of all, I was not sure about the time period of this book because of the characters' medieval attitudes toward each other, such as the existence of "the Evil Forest"; I was surprised when Okonkwo, who clearly needs anger management, is apparently in possession of a gun. Right after he pulls the trigger, Okonkwo immediately is overcomed by his emotions for the first time and jumps forward to his wife to tend to her. In the beginging, he seemed to be a sexist, abusive, slightly deranged husband and father. But as the story continues on, he begins to seem more human as he shows more affections toward his family and Ikemefuna, inwardly.
An interesting detail is the interaction within Okonkwo's family. A reader would have assumed that there is tension between the three wives, but they seem to coexist harmoniously. They would help each other in times of trouble, such as when the third wife's absence angered Okonkwo. Also, Okonkwo is described as cold, and impenetrable. But shortly after Ikemefuna's arrival, he becomes fond of the young boy, even though he is a stranger from a different village. Taking away the anger, Okonkwo is a soft-hearted child who fears the rejection of others.
I also reacted most strongly to the part where Okonkwo almost shot one of his wives. It seems as though he has very little regard for the lives of his family. He knew that the tree was fine, and he attacked her simply out of anger. Achebe says "the tree was very much alive. Okankwo's wife had merely cut a few leaves off it to wrap some food, and she said so." (38)
The detail that jumped out at me was what happened next. When he saw that she was unharmed he "[heaved] a heavy sigh". To me, this made it sound as though Okonkwo was disappointed that his wife has not been harmed.
The event I reacted to most strongly was when Okonkwo pulled his gun on his second wife, Ekwefi. This was so shocking, though I know Okonkwo has a horrible temper. It wasn't even just a threat, because he sincerely meant to harm her. By Okonkwo letting his anger get the best of him in such a small situation, it makes me wonder what he will do when bigger problems arise.
The most interesting little detail for me was when the narrator mentions that "Okonkwo was specially fond on Ezinma"(44). From this I assumed that he liked Ezinma better than Obiageli. It was interesting that he was kinder to Obiageli, and quite harsh to Ezinma. Maybe Okonkwo is harsher on the ones he loves more.
I reacted most strongly to the scene when Okonkwo beats his second wife for supposedly "killing" the banana tree and then almost shoots her. The paragraph before was describing how the wives and children were excited about the New Yam Festival and joyously decorating themselves. And then, the scene quickly shifts to Okonkwo being enraged about something and using the banana tree as an outlet. The contrast between the joy and the anger was so abrupt that I was shocked for a second. And I was also amazed at how meaningless it all was. We don't even know why Okonkwo is mad! And being mad about a banana tree that isn't even dead seems ridiculous! It also sickens me because he won't stop until "his anger thus satisfied" (38). The word satisfied makes me think that he ENJOYS beating her when he is in that state of anger. And then he, just as randomly, decides to go hunting! What??? How is this even remotely connected? It just seems like Okonkwo is pursuing whatever random urge he has. Also, I was shocked by Okonkwo's lack of self-control. From what I've read so far, I have been under the impression that the number of wives you have symmbolizes your status. I feel like it was pure luck that Ekwefi was unharmed. But if she had been killed, wouldn't that be a huge stigma on Okonkwo's reputation--in addition to the other beating during the Week of Peace?
What I found interesting was the fact that Ekwefi--the same woman who is now being brutally treated!--had actually fallen in love with Okonkwo, and had even ran away from her husband to marry him. First, it intriguied me that she was married before and that she was even able to get away with leaving her previous husband. I also found the infatuation interesting because it just brings a much more melonchaly element to Ekwefi's tale and the devastation that might have occurred when she realized that her love is really a monster.
I reacted most strongly when the priest find Okonkwo abusing one of his wives because she didn't Okonkwo that she was plaiting her hair at a friend's house instead of making him dinner. Because this was during Peace Week, the priest yelled at Okonkwo, which surprised me. I thought that because he was king, the priest wouldn't have the courage to stand up to him for violating one of the laws. "His tone now changed from anger to command.'You will bring to the shrine of Ani tomorrow one she-goat, one hen, a length of cloth and a hundred cowries.'" (page 30)
"Ikemefuna called him father." (page 28) A minor detail that I thought was interesting was the relationship between Okonkwo and Ikemefuna. I thought this was fascinating because Okonkwo hadn't shown any signs of emotion, other than anger before, until his bond with Ikemefuma got stronger. It seems like Okonkwo is trying hard to maintain is masculinity by appearing emotionless, but still makes obvious that he his a father figure for Ikemefuna.
I reacted most strongly when Okonkwo beats his second wife repeatedly and violently. The first time is over a small insident that Okonkwo misunderstood, "Without further argument Okonkwo gave [his second wife] a sound beating and left her and her only daughter weeping" (38). The second time is only a few moments after the first, to make it worse, "The wife who had just been beaten murmured something about guns that never shot. Unfortunately for her, Okonkwo heard it and ran madly into his room for the loaded gun, ran out again and aimed at her as she clambered over the dward wall of the barn" (39). These moments are so devastating how could one not react strongly? Spousal abuse is disheartening no matter where you hear about it; merely because it appears to be an acceptable practice in this culture does not decrease its horror. The small detail that entertained me was when Okonkwo is eating dinner and his daughter Obiageli says "people should not talk when they are eating or pepper may go down the wrong way" (45). This intrigued me because it's a very interesting way of describing the feeling of chocking on food. The comment was a bit out of nowhere, but lightened the mood of that particular scene because Okonkwo wasn't mad about his daughter's outspokeness towards him, but rather he was impressed by her point which is a rare occurance by him.
Looking back over the reading tonight for the second time, my attention was caught by the incident when Ikemefuna refused to eat food because he was miserable missing his family. Instead of showing his uglier side that is apparent later when he beats his wife to release anger, Okonkwo shows amazing care for Ikemefuna when he "came into the hut with a big stick in his hand and stood over him while he swallowed his yams" (28) At first glance this might be seen as compassion or sympathy for Ikemefuna, but it could just as likely be stubborn pride. Okonkwo did not want his tribe's hostage to die under his care. That would make him look very bad indeed.
I liked the reference to "chi" as a personal god. I guess this is a god that looks over only one individual and bestows blessings on the person. It's interesting how there are references to how "chi" does not determine a person's destiny but in fact "when a man says yes his "chi" says yes also" (27) if like Okonkwo he is so strong in his determination to make a respected man of himself, even if his fate did not entail success, "his chi agreed" (27) anyway.
The event I acted to most strongly was when Okonkwo beats Ikemefuna with a stick when he refuses to eat any food. It seemed completely cruel to me for him to beat Ikemefuna, especially when he first came to live his family, since he was sad and confused. This stood out to me because it shows how he simply cannot tolerate any emotion except for anger. Also, it says earlier that his father expressed sadness and grief when he played the flute, so maybe it relates to how Okonkwo hates his father and wants to be everything his father isn't. He wants his kids to be the same, also.
This relates to the detail that jumped out at me, which was the way in which Okonkwo treats his wives versus how he treats his children. Although he is extremely tough on both, it seems that he has no reason to beat his wives other than to vent his anger. It also does not mention Okonkwo's feelings for his wives anywhere, while it does say that he likes Ikemefuna and Ezinma (even though his fondness for her is purely superficial, as it says that "she looked very much like her mother, who was once the village beauty" (44). In addition, there seems to be a motive behind Okonkwo's criticism of his children. For example, when he yells at Nwoye and Ikemefuna for incorrectly preparing yams, it says later that he does it to "stamp out the disquieting signs of laziness which he [thinks] he already [sees] in him" (33). Although he treats both his wives and his children badly, Okonkwo seems to at least have a reason (even though it all might relate back to his hatred for his father) for criticizing his children, while his harsh treatment of his wives seems to be for his own need to show anger. But one could also argue that Okonkwo's hatred of his father fuels his desire to criticize his children, which could also be said to be for his own selfish reasons. So, I guess, they both seem to be treated harshly in different ways of satisfying his selfish needs.
The part I reacted to most strongly was when Okonkwo beat his wife during the weak of peace. All this beating of women seems kind of unneccesary, but I guess it further characterizes Okonkwo. Before, where as I might have seen him as hardworking and succesful, now I may view him as a little over the top because his temper seems to be a little to extreme. I was very interested by the way that people respond to greetings. It seemed rediculous and a little humorous when Ekwefi was explaining that she would always answer "is that me" when being called instead of "yes" because she wanted to keep away the evil spirits.
I thought that my ideas were original, but I see that some earlier posters agree with me!
I reacted very strongly to "And when [Ojiugo] returned he beat her very heavily. In his anger he had forgotten that it was the Week of Peace. His first two wives ran out in great alarm pleading with him that it was the sacred week" (29). This passage once again reveals to the reader the true hostility of Okonkwo. I find the idea of anyone beating anyone ever quite horrific, and someone abusing their wife seems more hostile. A husband and wife are supposed to love and respect each other no matter what. Despite having multiple wives - which appears to be the cultural norm in Achebe's setting - this principle of marriage should not be ignored.
Even though I find Okonkwo very difficult to respect thus far, Ikemefuna apparently disagrees, shown through Achebe reavealing that "indeed, Ikemefuna called him [Okonkwo] father" (28). This passage stands out for me because Ikemefuna blatantly sees (or at least I think he sees) Okonkwo beating his wife and acting despicible in general. Yet, he still manages to think very highly of the man. This slight description reveals alot about the Okonkwo that perhaps the reader hasn't met yet, and how much Ikemefuna needs a parental figure.
The part I most reacted to was when Okonkwo beat his wife because he was left unfead. (Basically, the bottom of 29 to the middle of 30) Having many wives is shocking enough, but beating one of them because she did prepare dinner is ubsurd. He is obviously a self centered and selfish man who just has these many wives for the pleasure...in my opinion. He doesn't realize that there are other important people in his family and that he needs to respect his wife's decision to do as she pleases as well as his childrens. I appreciated how the neighbors shouted through the walls to see if everything was alright, but they could have at least dropped in. And how they were telling him that this was a sacred week but he didn't care at all, disrespecting his village and his family completely. It just disgusts me to read about this Okonkwo fellow because he thinks the world revolves around him, but it really doesn't and he wants people to believe him and do what he says, and he thinks he can controll with his almight power. He knew he was doing the wrong thing, but yet he practically asks for forgiveness... And the most interesting detail I found was, "'My father told me that he had been told that in the past a man who broke the peace was dragged on the ground through the village until he died. *gasp* But after a while this custom was stopped because it spoiled the peace which it meant was to preserve.'" (31) HYPOCRITS!!! enough said.
The event I reacted most strongly to was the beating of Ojiugo because I find it appaling that a man would find it necessary to punish a woman for just being late. Not only is he punishing her for being late, he risks angering the gods, which could lead to the ruin of his whole family. I find it horrifying that he would put his whole family at risk just because of a woman being tardy.
The most interesting litle detail was how Ikemefume easily he adjusted to life in Ufuomia. Not only does he adjust, he quickly mades friends with most of the family members of Okonkwo.
I reacted most strongly the part where Okonkwo beats one of his wives during the week of peace. Not only was it violent and cruel, but I also thought it was a little arrogant. He knew what he was doin and even when he was told to stop because it was peace week, he would not stop beating her until the job was finished. This surprised me because it was almost as if he was acting like the rules didn't apply to him because of his status in the community. You would think that after working so hard and coming from so little, he would be grateful and would not abuse his power.
The event I reacted to most strongly was when Ikemefuna comes to live with Okonkwo and he wnats to know when he will return home. I found this sad and thought-provoking. The boy is just a little boy and he is frightened, but at the same time he is lucky he did not die. I thought that part was so interesting. The most interesting little detail was when the two wives came out shouting that it was the "Week Of Peace", but Okonkwo would not stop his beating half-way through for anything. This shows how emtionless he is and how he does not care about anything else. He is acting self-centered and rude, nad not to mention mean. He should be peaceful, but he has no regard for the "Week Of Peace".
The event I reacted to most strongly was when Okonkwo beat one of his wives only to get out suppressed anger during the week of peace. It made me really angry because it is just so wrong in my opinion. Every time he says something which puts down women or does something which hurts the women in his life intentionally, it makes me upset. These instances are what affect me the most because they bother me so much. The most interesting detail for me was the use of proverbs in normal conversation. I think that it is neat to include these little words of wisdom and it's interesting for the reader to try to see the deeper meaning within them.
I know I forgot at least one TFA blog. I don't know if it was this one, but I figure two entries causes less damage than none. Sorry if this is late or unnecessary.
Interesting? The way things seemed different, and yet the same. They seek connection through village gatherings, the same way we do through Newton Center or the senior lot, depending which group you choose.
The even I reacted most strongly to? There are so many to choose from. The best one was the moment at the end, when Okonkwo hangs himself. When someone does that, any hope that's left... they're just mocking that. They don't care. And no one really thinks it will work until the moment it does. It seemed like when the "action" character had completed such a permanent act, all was lost for Africa.
19 comments:
I reacted most strongly to the part about Okonkwo's dinner with his two daughters, Obiageli and Ezinma because of his respective treatment of them. Ezinma seems very responsible and kind-natured, as seen when she willingly lights a fire for her stepmother, Nwoye's mother; her stepmother even refers to her as "Ezigbo", "which means 'the good one'" (41). And yet when Ezinma appears at her father's supper, he shouts at her to "sit like a woman" (45). Obageli, on the other hand, breaks pots by "[swaying] her waist like a grown-up young lady" (44) and laughs at it until she reaches the village, where she assumes the proper repentant face. As well, she goes so far as to police her father on speaking with his mouth full. Not only does Okonkwo tolerate this, he praises her for having "more sense" than Ezinma, who is older.
This links to the detail that jumped out at me; Okonkwo actually is "specially fond of Ezinma" (44). Yet he criticizes her and praises her less-well-behaved sister instead; this is at odds with his previous actions, in which he was quick to come down heavily on those who showed the slightest fault. Also, there could be some sort of connection between this anomaly in Okonkwo's behavior and Ezinma's mother, Ekwefi. Special emphasis seemed to be placed on how Okonkwo beat her at the smallest provocation and even took a potshot at her - does it relate to his not-so-preferential treatment of their daughter, whom he apparently favors?
Okonkwo has been established as a character who is inflexible in his ideas, very obstinate and stolid, but now displays contradictory behavior. Could previous actions then be analyzed differently in light of this new example?
The event I reacted the most stronly to was the instance when Nyowe's mother lies to protect Ojiugo. I find it interesting that the wives are not in competition, but rather, the eldest is looking out for the others. I also thought Nyowe's mother must have been very brave, seeing as how fiery a temper Okonkwo has and how he could have punished her severely for her lie. Furthermore, it seems that people of the same status of Okonkwo's family live somewhat harmoniously despite Okonkwo's impatience and gruffness. Nwoye and Ikemefuna, who are like brothers, get along very well. This detail was interesting because in seems that in such an oppressed household, that those within it should feel the pressure to look out only for themselves. Instead, they band together in spite of Okonkwo's harshness.
I reacted most strongly to the close relationship shared by Okonkwo's wives and children. For example, Okonkwo's second wife Ekwefi shares a close bond to her only daughter Ezinma. I am able to discern the attachment between these two because Ezinma seems to be able to speak freely with her mother - asking her trivial, unimportant questions that one would clearly not dare to bother Okonkwo with. In one instance, Ezinma asks her mother if it is true "when people are grown up, fire does not burn them" (40). She then tells her mother her eyelid is twitching. Noting Okonkwo's fierce nature, I cannot imagine Ezinma or anyone else for that matter asking Okonkwo such things. Also, this closeness is even apparent between the two wives, who openly communicate with each other and care for their children mutually. This interests me greatly as I find it ironic that in a household where a man is as aloof and unexpressive as Okonkwo, the rest of his family can hold such a close bond.
The most interesting little detail was when, after nearly killing Ekwefi, Okonkwo first displays a hint of concern and care for his family. Okonkwo checks on Ekwefi to make sure she is okay and wasn't injured in his raging fit. Seeing she is fine, he "[heaves] a heavy sigh and [goes] away with the gun" (39). So even this seemingly heartless human has some inner emotion for his family.
I reacted the most when Okonkwo pulls his gun out and almost shot his second wife, Ekwefi. First of all, I was not sure about the time period of this book because of the characters' medieval attitudes toward each other, such as the existence of "the Evil Forest"; I was surprised when Okonkwo, who clearly needs anger management, is apparently in possession of a gun. Right after he pulls the trigger, Okonkwo immediately is overcomed by his emotions for the first time and jumps forward to his wife to tend to her. In the beginging, he seemed to be a sexist, abusive, slightly deranged husband and father. But as the story continues on, he begins to seem more human as he shows more affections toward his family and Ikemefuna, inwardly.
An interesting detail is the interaction within Okonkwo's family. A reader would have assumed that there is tension between the three wives, but they seem to coexist harmoniously. They would help each other in times of trouble, such as when the third wife's absence angered Okonkwo. Also, Okonkwo is described as cold, and impenetrable. But shortly after Ikemefuna's arrival, he becomes fond of the young boy, even though he is a stranger from a different village. Taking away the anger, Okonkwo is a soft-hearted child who fears the rejection of others.
I also reacted most strongly to the part where Okonkwo almost shot one of his wives. It seems as though he has very little regard for the lives of his family. He knew that the tree was fine, and he attacked her simply out of anger. Achebe says "the tree was very much alive. Okankwo's wife had merely cut a few leaves off it to wrap some food, and she said so." (38)
The detail that jumped out at me was what happened next. When he saw that she was unharmed he "[heaved] a heavy sigh". To me, this made it sound as though Okonkwo was disappointed that his wife has not been harmed.
The event I reacted to most strongly was when Okonkwo pulled his gun on his second wife, Ekwefi. This was so shocking, though I know Okonkwo has a horrible temper. It wasn't even just a threat, because he sincerely meant to harm her. By Okonkwo letting his anger get the best of him in such a small situation, it makes me wonder what he will do when bigger problems arise.
The most interesting little detail for me was when the narrator mentions that "Okonkwo was specially fond on Ezinma"(44). From this I assumed that he liked Ezinma better than Obiageli. It was interesting that he was kinder to Obiageli, and quite harsh to Ezinma. Maybe Okonkwo is harsher on the ones he loves more.
I reacted most strongly to the scene when Okonkwo beats his second wife for supposedly "killing" the banana tree and then almost shoots her. The paragraph before was describing how the wives and children were excited about the New Yam Festival and joyously decorating themselves. And then, the scene quickly shifts to Okonkwo being enraged about something and using the banana tree as an outlet. The contrast between the joy and the anger was so abrupt that I was shocked for a second. And I was also amazed at how meaningless it all was. We don't even know why Okonkwo is mad! And being mad about a banana tree that isn't even dead seems ridiculous! It also sickens me because he won't stop until "his anger thus satisfied" (38). The word satisfied makes me think that he ENJOYS beating her when he is in that state of anger. And then he, just as randomly, decides to go hunting! What??? How is this even remotely connected? It just seems like Okonkwo is pursuing whatever random urge he has. Also, I was shocked by Okonkwo's lack of self-control. From what I've read so far, I have been under the impression that the number of wives you have symmbolizes your status. I feel like it was pure luck that Ekwefi was unharmed. But if she had been killed, wouldn't that be a huge stigma on Okonkwo's reputation--in addition to the other beating during the Week of Peace?
What I found interesting was the fact that Ekwefi--the same woman who is now being brutally treated!--had actually fallen in love with Okonkwo, and had even ran away from her husband to marry him. First, it intriguied me that she was married before and that she was even able to get away with leaving her previous husband. I also found the infatuation interesting because it just brings a much more melonchaly element to Ekwefi's tale and the devastation that might have occurred when she realized that her love is really a monster.
I reacted most strongly when the priest find Okonkwo abusing one of his wives because she didn't Okonkwo that she was plaiting her hair at a friend's house instead of making him dinner. Because this was during Peace Week, the priest yelled at Okonkwo, which surprised me. I thought that because he was king, the priest wouldn't have the courage to stand up to him for violating one of the laws.
"His tone now changed from anger to command.'You will bring to the shrine of Ani tomorrow one she-goat, one hen, a length of cloth and a hundred cowries.'" (page 30)
"Ikemefuna called him father." (page 28) A minor detail that I thought was interesting was the relationship between Okonkwo and Ikemefuna. I thought this was fascinating because Okonkwo hadn't shown any signs of emotion, other than anger before, until his bond with Ikemefuma got stronger. It seems like Okonkwo is trying hard to maintain is masculinity by appearing emotionless, but still makes obvious that he his a father figure for Ikemefuna.
I reacted most strongly when Okonkwo beats his second wife repeatedly and violently. The first time is over a small insident that Okonkwo misunderstood, "Without further argument Okonkwo gave [his second wife] a sound beating and left her and her only daughter weeping"
(38). The second time is only a few moments after the first, to make it worse, "The wife who had just been beaten murmured something about guns that never shot. Unfortunately for her, Okonkwo heard it and ran madly into his room for the loaded gun, ran out again and aimed at her as she clambered over the dward wall of the barn" (39).
These moments are so devastating how could one not react strongly? Spousal abuse is disheartening no matter where you hear about it; merely because it appears to be an acceptable practice in this culture does not decrease its horror.
The small detail that entertained me was when Okonkwo is eating dinner and his daughter Obiageli says "people should not talk when they are eating or pepper may go down the wrong way" (45). This intrigued me because it's a very interesting way of describing the feeling of chocking on food. The comment was a bit out of nowhere, but lightened the mood of that particular scene because Okonkwo wasn't mad about his daughter's outspokeness towards him, but rather he was impressed by her point which is a rare occurance by him.
Looking back over the reading tonight for the second time, my attention was caught by the incident when Ikemefuna refused to eat food because he was miserable missing his family. Instead of showing his uglier side that is apparent later when he beats his wife to release anger, Okonkwo shows amazing care for Ikemefuna when he "came into the hut with a big stick in his hand and stood over him while he swallowed his yams" (28) At first glance this might be seen as compassion or sympathy for Ikemefuna, but it could just as likely be stubborn pride. Okonkwo did not want his tribe's hostage to die under his care. That would make him look very bad indeed.
I liked the reference to "chi" as a personal god. I guess this is a god that looks over only one individual and bestows blessings on the person. It's interesting how there are references to how "chi" does not determine a person's destiny but in fact "when a man says yes his "chi" says yes also" (27) if like Okonkwo he is so strong in his determination to make a respected man of himself, even if his fate did not entail success, "his chi agreed" (27) anyway.
The event I acted to most strongly was when Okonkwo beats Ikemefuna with a stick when he refuses to eat any food. It seemed completely cruel to me for him to beat Ikemefuna, especially when he first came to live his family, since he was sad and confused. This stood out to me because it shows how he simply cannot tolerate any emotion except for anger. Also, it says earlier that his father expressed sadness and grief when he played the flute, so maybe it relates to how Okonkwo hates his father and wants to be everything his father isn't. He wants his kids to be the same, also.
This relates to the detail that jumped out at me, which was the way in which Okonkwo treats his wives versus how he treats his children. Although he is extremely tough on both, it seems that he has no reason to beat his wives other than to vent his anger. It also does not mention Okonkwo's feelings for his wives anywhere, while it does say that he likes Ikemefuna and Ezinma (even though his fondness for her is purely superficial, as it says that "she looked very much like her mother, who was once the village beauty" (44). In addition, there seems to be a motive behind Okonkwo's criticism of his children. For example, when he yells at Nwoye and Ikemefuna for incorrectly preparing yams, it says later that he does it to "stamp out the disquieting signs of laziness which he [thinks] he already [sees] in him" (33). Although he treats both his wives and his children badly, Okonkwo seems to at least have a reason (even though it all might relate back to his hatred for his father) for criticizing his children, while his harsh treatment of his wives seems to be for his own need to show anger. But one could also argue that Okonkwo's hatred of his father fuels his desire to criticize his children, which could also be said to be for his own selfish reasons. So, I guess, they both seem to be treated harshly in different ways of satisfying his selfish needs.
The part I reacted to most strongly was when Okonkwo beat his wife during the weak of peace. All this beating of women seems kind of unneccesary, but I guess it further characterizes Okonkwo. Before, where as I might have seen him as hardworking and succesful, now I may view him as a little over the top because his temper seems to be a little to extreme.
I was very interested by the way that people respond to greetings. It seemed rediculous and a little humorous when Ekwefi was explaining that she would always answer "is that me" when being called instead of "yes" because she wanted to keep away the evil spirits.
I thought that my ideas were original, but I see that some earlier posters agree with me!
I reacted very strongly to "And when [Ojiugo] returned he beat her very heavily. In his anger he had forgotten that it was the Week of Peace. His first two wives ran out in great alarm pleading with him that it was the sacred week" (29). This passage once again reveals to the reader the true hostility of Okonkwo. I find the idea of anyone beating anyone ever quite horrific, and someone abusing their wife seems more hostile. A husband and wife are supposed to love and respect each other no matter what. Despite having multiple wives - which appears to be the cultural norm in Achebe's setting - this principle of marriage should not be ignored.
Even though I find Okonkwo very difficult to respect thus far, Ikemefuna apparently disagrees, shown through Achebe reavealing that "indeed, Ikemefuna called him [Okonkwo] father" (28). This passage stands out for me because Ikemefuna blatantly sees (or at least I think he sees) Okonkwo beating his wife and acting despicible in general. Yet, he still manages to think very highly of the man. This slight description reveals alot about the Okonkwo that perhaps the reader hasn't met yet, and how much Ikemefuna needs a parental figure.
The part I most reacted to was when Okonkwo beat his wife because he was left unfead. (Basically, the bottom of 29 to the middle of 30) Having many wives is shocking enough, but beating one of them because she did prepare dinner is ubsurd. He is obviously a self centered and selfish man who just has these many wives for the pleasure...in my opinion. He doesn't realize that there are other important people in his family and that he needs to respect his wife's decision to do as she pleases as well as his childrens. I appreciated how the neighbors shouted through the walls to see if everything was alright, but they could have at least dropped in. And how they were telling him that this was a sacred week but he didn't care at all, disrespecting his village and his family completely. It just disgusts me to read about this Okonkwo fellow because he thinks the world revolves around him, but it really doesn't and he wants people to believe him and do what he says, and he thinks he can controll with his almight power. He knew he was doing the wrong thing, but yet he practically asks for forgiveness...
And the most interesting detail I found was, "'My father told me that he had been told that in the past a man who broke the peace was dragged on the ground through the village until he died. *gasp* But after a while this custom was stopped because it spoiled the peace which it meant was to preserve.'" (31)
HYPOCRITS!!!
enough said.
The event I reacted most strongly to was the beating of Ojiugo because I find it appaling that a man would find it necessary to punish a woman for just being late. Not only is he punishing her for being late, he risks angering the gods, which could lead to the ruin of his whole family. I find it horrifying that he would put his whole family at risk just because of a woman being tardy.
The most interesting litle detail was how Ikemefume easily he adjusted to life in Ufuomia. Not only does he adjust, he quickly mades friends with most of the family members of Okonkwo.
I reacted most strongly the part where Okonkwo beats one of his wives during the week of peace. Not only was it violent and cruel, but I also thought it was a little arrogant. He knew what he was doin and even when he was told to stop because it was peace week, he would not stop beating her until the job was finished. This surprised me because it was almost as if he was acting like the rules didn't apply to him because of his status in the community. You would think that after working so hard and coming from so little, he would be grateful and would not abuse his power.
The event I reacted to most strongly was when Ikemefuna comes to live with Okonkwo and he wnats to know when he will return home. I found this sad and thought-provoking. The boy is just a little boy and he is frightened, but at the same time he is lucky he did not die. I thought that part was so interesting.
The most interesting little detail was when the two wives came out shouting that it was the "Week Of Peace", but Okonkwo would not stop his beating half-way through for anything. This shows how emtionless he is and how he does not care about anything else. He is acting self-centered and rude, nad not to mention mean. He should be peaceful, but he has no regard for the "Week Of Peace".
The event I reacted to most strongly was when Okonkwo beat one of his wives only to get out suppressed anger during the week of peace. It made me really angry because it is just so wrong in my opinion. Every time he says something which puts down women or does something which hurts the women in his life intentionally, it makes me upset. These instances are what affect me the most because they bother me so much. The most interesting detail for me was the use of proverbs in normal conversation. I think that it is neat to include these little words of wisdom and it's interesting for the reader to try to see the deeper meaning within them.
I know I forgot at least one TFA blog. I don't know if it was this one, but I figure two entries causes less damage than none. Sorry if this is late or unnecessary.
Interesting? The way things seemed different, and yet the same. They seek connection through village gatherings, the same way we do through Newton Center or the senior lot, depending which group you choose.
The even I reacted most strongly to? There are so many to choose from. The best one was the moment at the end, when Okonkwo hangs himself. When someone does that, any hope that's left... they're just mocking that. They don't care. And no one really thinks it will work until the moment it does. It seemed like when the "action" character had completed such a permanent act, all was lost for Africa.
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