The first six chapters of Things Fall Apart did not introduce the conflict of the story. However, the chapters did focus on characterization and setting development.
From these first few pages, the readers are able to gauge the different aspects of the traditional culture in Umuofia. This society is characterized by rigid class structures and superstition. As a patriarchal society, men yield immense power over the women in their lives. Okonkwo often beats and berates his three wives. Although Okonkwo may be more brutish than other males in his community, their lack of concern for Ojiugo’s health after a severe beating reveals their feelings of justification and superiority. “Your wife was at fault…” (30) was a statement made after the abuse.
Paradoxically, this society that regards women more as objects than as human beings reveres its religious and mythical deities that happen to be female. In a way, this highlights a developing theme in the story: the need to control things that cause fear. The men in the community feel the need to assert their dominance over women because they are afraid of giving them freedom. Also, Okonkwo’s characterization reenforces this theme.
As the child of a poor and disgraced man, Okonkwo feels obligated to prove his worth. His constant fears about becoming his father stem from the trauma he faced as a young boy and his insecurities about his own power. He believes that by controlling as much of his life as possible, he will be able to earn the honor that his father never had. Unfortunately, his efforts will most likely be in vain. Okonkwo has already earned the respect of his village. He thinks he needs to maintain that respect, but in reality, he feels inadequate because of his low self-esteem. He needs to gain self respect.
Okonkwo has a massive french fry on his shoulder. A chip isn't enough to decribe his issues...
(I couldn't find a picture with a yam.)
I agree on the fact that Okonkwo is the way he is due to the fear of becoming just like his father. Their views on women is a very interesting though. I find it interesting that they degrade women in a way but also look to a female priestess for answers.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the fact that Okonkwo is the way he is due to the fear of becoming just like his father. Their views on women is a very interesting though. I find it interesting that they degrade women in a way but also look to a female priestess for answers.
ReplyDeleteThe structure of the society and culture in Umuofia is probably the reason for its technological regression. Some may think that hardworking individuals, like Okonkwo, would benefit the village's advancement. On the other hand, customs like sexual inequality and superstition are holding them back from acquiring the knowledge needed to advance in civilization.
ReplyDeleteThe way men beat women in their village but also look up to them in a religious aspect. One reason as to why they do this, maybe that they are afraid that women may come to power and that they may change their ways of life which they hold dear. Therefore they beat and belittle women to try and ensure that they have no power and that their ways of life will not change.
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