This again brings us to the cultural aspect of African tribe-life. For them, there was no college or social media or life outside of the village. All they had was their job and reputation, so many men probably acted like Okonkwo, letting their pride get in the way of raising their children. Having an unsuccessful son is just as bad as being unsuccessful themselves. Another issue raised in this story is masculinity. Is Nwoye any less of a man because he finds comfort in his mother's hut and stories?Okonkwo wishes he would learn from him and begin to take responsibility around the farm and act like a man. Although the actions of Nwoye would be acceptable in the modern world, they are viewed as futile in context of Things Fall Apart.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Chapters 6-10 Post (Post #2)
One of the main conflicts in these chapters is the killing of Ikemefuna. Okonkwo wishes that his son Nwoye would be more manly; the idea of his son growing up to not be a successful and revered man eats him alive. When Ikemefuna comes along and sparks a fire in Nwoye, Okonkwo takes a secret liking to him because he is guiding Nwoye to manhood. About 3 years after he arrives, Ikemefuna is ordered to be killed. Okonkwo understands that 'it takes a village to raise a child', and that Ikemefuna is becoming a very important member of his son's village, yet he lets his fear of being perceived as weak get in his way of common judgement. Will Okonkwo ever lose his ego and bring some peace to his family?
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Okonkwo is extremely concerned with his reputation, and would do anything to not be perceived as weak. I like that the word "peace" is included in your rhetorical question, because it is what the tribe is said to want, but what all their actions contradict. I also like that you compared their beliefs with modern day to show contrast. Most of their traditions would be shamed, and illegal.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo is almost obsessed with his reputation, that he would even kill Ikemefuna. I feel that he is so obsessed with his reputation due to all the fear he has that he may turn out like his father.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo's fear of weakness ruins everything. Helping to kill Ikemefuna really shows how fearful of weakness he is. This evinces the importance of reputation in Umofia
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo's fear severely alters everyone. He is hurting his people, he will put himself over his family, and will let people die just to keep his reputation. I like the comment dillion made in that i think Okonkwo's ego might lead to a downfall in his life.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo's reputation is above all. The impact of his father's failures is huge and made Okonkwo obsessed with his image. This means hurting the ones he loves.
ReplyDelete