Okonkwo lives in a tribe oozing with superficial standards.
He believes that in order to be a respectable man, he requires a title,
fruitful yams, and many wives. In short, his reputation determines his worth.
The reader discovers this about Okonkwo when the story of his father, Unoka, is
told. He was "ashamed of [Unoka]" (pg.8) because he was the opposite
of an ideal man. He strove to be everything his father wasn't. He became
successful by reputation, but did he find the same success internally? The
reader can sense a tall barrier between Okonkwo and his family when he brought
Ikemefuna home. His family lived in "perpetual fear of his fiery
temper" (pg.13), and his son was already developing into a "sad-faced
youth"(pg.14) This leads the reader into believing that he isn't as
glorious as the tribe makes him out to be. Will he allow some of his pride to
slip away in order to achieve emotional happiness?
Also, the reader might notice the use of metaphorical sayings in this novel. This emphasizes the idea of living in a cultural tribe that has lasted for centuries. Sayings like, "As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings." ( pg.8), or "Our elders say that the sun will shine on those who stand before it…" (pg.8) were very clear that they were pieces of advice from long ago. It stressed that the old ways of the tribe were still followed, and wouldn't be easily disregarded. In almost every situation, there was a historical phrase that related to it, and Okonkwo seemed to live up to each one. Because of this, it would be interesting if he did allow his pride to take a back seat, and go against the traditions in a strict society.
Also, the reader might notice the use of metaphorical sayings in this novel. This emphasizes the idea of living in a cultural tribe that has lasted for centuries. Sayings like, "As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings." ( pg.8), or "Our elders say that the sun will shine on those who stand before it…" (pg.8) were very clear that they were pieces of advice from long ago. It stressed that the old ways of the tribe were still followed, and wouldn't be easily disregarded. In almost every situation, there was a historical phrase that related to it, and Okonkwo seemed to live up to each one. Because of this, it would be interesting if he did allow his pride to take a back seat, and go against the traditions in a strict society.
What is so significant about the given lines of the elders? In addition to the ancient advice they give through their metaphorical sayings, readers can also grasp the meaning behind these slogans that have been passed on for many years. "As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings," alludes to the high standards of the African-American community (pg 8). Being discriminated for the color of their skin, experienced elders would often relay trickery sayings into the minds' of young adolescents to benefit their appropriateness if they were to leave the country.
ReplyDeleteI like that you commented on the use of metaphorical sayings, as it also made me realize that there was a deeper meaning to these sentences. I also like that you picked up on the sense of distance between Oknonkwo and his family. It seems as if they are afraid of even speaking to him because he might lash out and beat them just because he is angry at that moment. This may be how the men of the tribe lived during this time period, but I definitely think it isn't respectable.
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