Things Fall Apart Chapters 1-4 So far I am greatly impressed with the book. I read the four chapters and it felt like nothing. I think it is due to the fact that Achebe does not spend a lot of needless time describing pointless tiny details. Everything in the book is either necessary or interesting. The story takes place in Umuofia, which appears to be one of the greatest of nine cities/tribes in the region. The main character is Okonkwo. His rags to riches stories were quite interesting and inspiring. It reinforced that feeling deep inside everyone that tells you anything is possible. I also enjoyed reading about he was able to become so successful in a land where this feat is nearly impossible. Other than the fact that he used hard work to gain success, I do no like Okonkwo. He is much too harsh and has forgotten about having fun. His failure father enjoyed life more, and that is one thing that Okonkwo should learn from him. You need to take your hard work to gain success, but then you need to take this success and enjoy it. I believe that the character of Ikemefuna will come to play a large part, and it will be a battle between Ikemefuna and Okonkwo. My predicted ending as of now is that Okonkwo will become harsher and meaner, until he finally breaks and realizes that life is meant to be enjoyed. -To climb the length of the chicktpa tree, one must toil and struggle long. But once the top is reached, only a fool forgets to thank the gods and enjoy the view. (In the book they praise the art of speaking. This is my wordy way of saying success requires hard work, but then you should enjoy your success).
Things Fall Apart Chapters 5-7 Wow, I will give you fair warning that this blog may be quite biased due to the fact that I am writing in a fit of rage after reading that Okonkwo played a part in murdering Ikemefuna. For one thing, it completely shatters my previous prediction. Secondly, I really liked Ikemefuna, and to have Okonkwo help in killing him only deepens my dislike for Okonkwo. One of the most touching points in the novel was when Ikemefuna gave the boys a stern look to help protect Obiageli from being punished for breaking her water pot. The way that they lied to Ikemefuna and murdered him by complete surprise greatly angers me. I was on the verge of tears when Ikemefuna when running to his father figure for help, only to have Okonkwo strike him down. I absolutely hate Okonkwo and hope that he won’t live out the rest of the book. The gun scene stands out in my mind as another reason to dislike him. He got so upset so easily and couldn’t control his emotions. I was shocked that he would attempt to shoot his wife. Finally, I think that the wrestling scene was just “okay”. I believe that it could have been written with a little more excitement to really draw the reader in and get him/her to feel the raw power of such a competition. Instead, I just felt like a reader instead of a participant in the scene. I am still enjoying the novel and am now looking forward to Okonkwo learning what a grave mistake he made in killing Ikemefuna.
Things Fall Apart Chapters 8-10 Well well well, it looks like I was right when it comes to regretting murdering Ikemefuna. I was very glad to see what a sad state Okonkwo was in. He deserved every minute of pain and suffering, and he has no one to blame but himself. Obierika was right, at the very least Okonkwo should not have participated in the killing. I am slightly worried for Nwoye because I believe that parents do expect a lot more from their first born and there are a lot of expectations to live up to there. As a first born you are almost set up for failure because the bar is set so high. As for the parable about the man and woman and lived and died together, I am hoping that this comes to apply to Okonkwo and one of his family members. I can see one of his family members dieing, and only then will Okonkwo will realize just how much he loved for and needed his relatives. The bride-price scene was interesting, but I had trouble following just how they went about bargaining as it pertains to using the broomsticks. I greatly enjoyed chapter nine and the lore of ogbanje. I have never heard anything like that, but it makes a lot of sense. It is a genius was to logically explain the prevalence of child deaths. The journey of hunting for the iyi-uwa was on of my favorites. I also really felt for Ekwefi and found myself really hoping and praying that Ezinma to live. I found the egwugwu chapter interesting, but not much more than that. I agreed with the elders when they said that such a miniscule trifle should not be brought before the council. Regardless, I still look forward to turning the next page and still think this is a good summer reading book.
Things Fall Apart Chapters 11-13 Wow does Achebe know how to mess with my mind. I want to say that I like Okonkwo after seeing how he acted with Ekwefi and Ezinma. He became a selfless caring father and husband. His complete disregard for obeying the gods by going to the cave really showed how much he cared for the girls. I had to re-read the passage about him making four trips to the cave to make sure I had read it correctly. I would be a huge Okonkwo fan if it weren’t for the Ikemefuna incident still nagging at the back of my brain. I really cannot get anything out of the whole cow running loose in the field scene, and I feel that there is something more there. I am interested to see what others can make of it. I really liked the story of the turtle and the birds and it had some major messages. I plan to tell this story to young children in my life, if for nothing else to explain why a turtle’s shell looks that way. I relate the bride party scene to that of the wrestling match in that I was not blown away. Don’t get me wrong, it is still well written, but with how I am enjoying the book I had bigger expectations. The death of Ezeudu was very foreboding due to the fact that he warned Okonkwo not to partake in the murder of Ikemefuna. The ekwe method of delivering the message intrigued me and added some suspense as you listened with Okonkwo to find out who it was that died. Of course I was expecting the worse, such as Ezinma, and was relieved to find out it was an aged man. The one-handed egwugwu is quite scary and his words at the funeral sent a chill down my spine. I love the fact that the gods appeared at the funeral in each had a different personality. I found the craziness of the funeral quite odd, and the shooting came out of nowhere. I was definitely caught off guard in having to watch Okonkwo be exiled and I’m very anxious to read what comes of that. However, I am a little disappointed that the cause of the exile was this sudden shooting that is simply past over as if it were not an important event. Finally, the clan continues to baffle me with their obedience to the gods, such as by destroying Okonkwo’s property but holding no ill feelings toward him. I was hoping Obierika’s pondering of the whole matter would lead to something more. Alas, alas, I guess I will have to keep reading to find out more.
Things Fall Apart Chapters 14-18 First of all, I’d like to say that Achebe got it pretty right on in reference to the “running to your mother” talk. It is true that as a man you are generally more associated with your father. You take his last name and do other manly things to bond. However, the relationship with your mother offers something very different than that of your father. There are some commonalities, but to be quite frank, some things require a mother’s touch. We all know that there are those subjects that you would only go to your mother for, and she is generally the one thought to always be there for you to love and comfort you. Achebe touched on this subject and got me thinking about it, because it is really quite deep. I was glad to see that Obierika came to visit and this kept me happy with the book. I’m glad to see that their friendship overcame the little exile incident. The talk of the Abame clan brings up the classic thoughts of just what horrors and terror the Africans must have gone through when the white men came. I don’t know what I think of Nwoye leaving. On the one hand, Okonkwo was pretty harsh and a very tough father. Then again, I do see him as a kind of traitor to his family. I had never really thought of the mental battle the clan must have gone through in trying to fathom a different god from the ones they had always worshipped. It must have been really tough to see men slowly convert and then have to disassociate yourself with these “traitors”. Okonkwo’s reaction of immediately wanting battle made me dislike him once more, but then again I didn’t really like the missionaries. What they were doing is good, such as saving the twins, but they also tore the village apart. I guess there is really no way to do good and keep everybody happy. I must admit that I did smile when the missionaries baffled the elders by surviving the Evil Forest and killing the python. I found it entertaining to watch these leaders scramble for explanations, but I’m sure this was no funny at all for the actual tribesmen. This section of reading made me think about things more than any other section, and I believe that a good book should make you consider different topics and viewpoints.
Things Fall Apart Chapters 19-21 The beginning of chapter 19 really got me all psyched up for Okonkwo’s return. All the talk of returning with two beautiful daughters and initiating his sons into a sacred sect really got my blood flowing. My mind got to racing as I thought of all the great things Okonkwo could do upon his return. I am glad to see that he hosted a feast for his mother’s clan, and I am also glad to see that he went all out on this party. I was beginning to fear that he lived those seven years in hatred and never stopped to realize how generous his mother’s clan was for taking him in. I don’t really get Okonkwo’s fascination with wishing Ezinma was a boy. I mean, I understand the concept, but I don’t think it has to be stressed chapter after chapter. I am not happy to see the presence of white men. I think Umofia was much better off in the beginning of the book when white men were only a legend. I disagree with the white men stepping in with their own justice system and punishment. They have gone from missionaries to rulers. I am a Mr. Brown fan as I read of his less intrusive missionary agenda. I like how he does not force the religion upon the people, but instead openly discussed differences in beliefs. Schools are one blessing the white men brought with them, but then again, the clan was doing just fine without them. A white-man education is only required to succeed in a white-man world. Finally, I am expecting some unfortunate events in the future with the departure of Mr. Brown. Most likely it will be a severe clan versus church conflict.
Things Fall Apart Chapters 22-25 Ah yes, I foresaw a problem concerning a conflict with the church, and Mr. Smith was that problem. As a side note, I believe that Mr. Brown’s name is in reference to the clan’s skin color which shows that he will be friendly with them. I really like the scenes with the egwugwu and the church is basically the exact rival of them. The egwugwu had ruled for centuries, and I hate to see their power fall. That idiot Enoch had to go and cause all the problems with his rash actions. Unfortunately, I can see people in my own life as being modern day Enoch’s. I am very glad to see that the egwugwu did no harm Mr. Smith, because that way I could remain on the tribe’s side within this conflict. The commissioner has greatly angered me with his deception of taking custody of the men and with how they were treated. The messengers are very evil men, with everything from the beatings to the overcharging of the clan. The people of Africa really must have had it tough as every white man was selfish and out for his own personal gain and enjoyment. The imprisonment scene and stony faced leaders were easily envisioned thanks to countless related movie depictions. I was very excited to see how the book would end and with the killing of the messenger I was on the edge of my seat. I was glad that Okonkwo killed him because he was arrogant and trying to stop a peaceful meeting in which white men should not be near in the first place. Of course I was trying to predict possible endings, but everything I considered was not a good ending. Suicide caught me by complete surprise and I had never even considered it as a finish to the book. I suppose it is the best possible ending to the plot, and Achebe made suicide seem noble. Okonkwo went through a lot in his life and I am still torn about my overall feelings toward him. He was a harsh man at times, but this was common in his clan and I only find it harsh according to my modern day American standards. It was a good book to read to consider Africa and this story that is rarely told of white men invading their homes. I am glad we read it.
Didn't the passage of background information say that Antigone was a victim of Creon's hubris? Some of you are suggesting that Antigone is the tragic hero. Thoughts on that.
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Things Fall Apart
Chapters 1-4
So far I am greatly impressed with the book. I read the four chapters and it felt like nothing. I think it is due to the fact that Achebe does not spend a lot of needless time describing pointless tiny details. Everything in the book is either necessary or interesting. The story takes place in Umuofia, which appears to be one of the greatest of nine cities/tribes in the region. The main character is Okonkwo. His rags to riches stories were quite interesting and inspiring. It reinforced that feeling deep inside everyone that tells you anything is possible. I also enjoyed reading about he was able to become so successful in a land where this feat is nearly impossible. Other than the fact that he used hard work to gain success, I do no like Okonkwo. He is much too harsh and has forgotten about having fun. His failure father enjoyed life more, and that is one thing that Okonkwo should learn from him. You need to take your hard work to gain success, but then you need to take this success and enjoy it. I believe that the character of Ikemefuna will come to play a large part, and it will be a battle between Ikemefuna and Okonkwo. My predicted ending as of now is that Okonkwo will become harsher and meaner, until he finally breaks and realizes that life is meant to be enjoyed.
-To climb the length of the chicktpa tree, one must toil and struggle long. But once the top is reached, only a fool forgets to thank the gods and enjoy the view. (In the book they praise the art of speaking. This is my wordy way of saying success requires hard work, but then you should enjoy your success).
Things Fall Apart
Chapters 5-7
Wow, I will give you fair warning that this blog may be quite biased due to the fact that I am writing in a fit of rage after reading that Okonkwo played a part in murdering Ikemefuna. For one thing, it completely shatters my previous prediction. Secondly, I really liked Ikemefuna, and to have Okonkwo help in killing him only deepens my dislike for Okonkwo. One of the most touching points in the novel was when Ikemefuna gave the boys a stern look to help protect Obiageli from being punished for breaking her water pot. The way that they lied to Ikemefuna and murdered him by complete surprise greatly angers me. I was on the verge of tears when Ikemefuna when running to his father figure for help, only to have Okonkwo strike him down. I absolutely hate Okonkwo and hope that he won’t live out the rest of the book. The gun scene stands out in my mind as another reason to dislike him. He got so upset so easily and couldn’t control his emotions. I was shocked that he would attempt to shoot his wife. Finally, I think that the wrestling scene was just “okay”. I believe that it could have been written with a little more excitement to really draw the reader in and get him/her to feel the raw power of such a competition. Instead, I just felt like a reader instead of a participant in the scene. I am still enjoying the novel and am now looking forward to Okonkwo learning what a grave mistake he made in killing Ikemefuna.
Things Fall Apart
Chapters 8-10
Well well well, it looks like I was right when it comes to regretting murdering Ikemefuna. I was very glad to see what a sad state Okonkwo was in. He deserved every minute of pain and suffering, and he has no one to blame but himself. Obierika was right, at the very least Okonkwo should not have participated in the killing. I am slightly worried for Nwoye because I believe that parents do expect a lot more from their first born and there are a lot of expectations to live up to there. As a first born you are almost set up for failure because the bar is set so high. As for the parable about the man and woman and lived and died together, I am hoping that this comes to apply to Okonkwo and one of his family members. I can see one of his family members dieing, and only then will Okonkwo will realize just how much he loved for and needed his relatives. The bride-price scene was interesting, but I had trouble following just how they went about bargaining as it pertains to using the broomsticks. I greatly enjoyed chapter nine and the lore of ogbanje. I have never heard anything like that, but it makes a lot of sense. It is a genius was to logically explain the prevalence of child deaths. The journey of hunting for the iyi-uwa was on of my favorites. I also really felt for Ekwefi and found myself really hoping and praying that Ezinma to live. I found the egwugwu chapter interesting, but not much more than that. I agreed with the elders when they said that such a miniscule trifle should not be brought before the council. Regardless, I still look forward to turning the next page and still think this is a good summer reading book.
Things Fall Apart
Chapters 11-13
Wow does Achebe know how to mess with my mind. I want to say that I like Okonkwo after seeing how he acted with Ekwefi and Ezinma. He became a selfless caring father and husband. His complete disregard for obeying the gods by going to the cave really showed how much he cared for the girls. I had to re-read the passage about him making four trips to the cave to make sure I had read it correctly. I would be a huge Okonkwo fan if it weren’t for the Ikemefuna incident still nagging at the back of my brain. I really cannot get anything out of the whole cow running loose in the field scene, and I feel that there is something more there. I am interested to see what others can make of it. I really liked the story of the turtle and the birds and it had some major messages. I plan to tell this story to young children in my life, if for nothing else to explain why a turtle’s shell looks that way. I relate the bride party scene to that of the wrestling match in that I was not blown away. Don’t get me wrong, it is still well written, but with how I am enjoying the book I had bigger expectations. The death of Ezeudu was very foreboding due to the fact that he warned Okonkwo not to partake in the murder of Ikemefuna. The ekwe method of delivering the message intrigued me and added some suspense as you listened with Okonkwo to find out who it was that died. Of course I was expecting the worse, such as Ezinma, and was relieved to find out it was an aged man. The one-handed egwugwu is quite scary and his words at the funeral sent a chill down my spine. I love the fact that the gods appeared at the funeral in each had a different personality. I found the craziness of the funeral quite odd, and the shooting came out of nowhere. I was definitely caught off guard in having to watch Okonkwo be exiled and I’m very anxious to read what comes of that. However, I am a little disappointed that the cause of the exile was this sudden shooting that is simply past over as if it were not an important event. Finally, the clan continues to baffle me with their obedience to the gods, such as by destroying Okonkwo’s property but holding no ill feelings toward him. I was hoping Obierika’s pondering of the whole matter would lead to something more. Alas, alas, I guess I will have to keep reading to find out more.
Things Fall Apart
Chapters 14-18
First of all, I’d like to say that Achebe got it pretty right on in reference to the “running to your mother” talk. It is true that as a man you are generally more associated with your father. You take his last name and do other manly things to bond. However, the relationship with your mother offers something very different than that of your father. There are some commonalities, but to be quite frank, some things require a mother’s touch. We all know that there are those subjects that you would only go to your mother for, and she is generally the one thought to always be there for you to love and comfort you. Achebe touched on this subject and got me thinking about it, because it is really quite deep. I was glad to see that Obierika came to visit and this kept me happy with the book. I’m glad to see that their friendship overcame the little exile incident. The talk of the Abame clan brings up the classic thoughts of just what horrors and terror the Africans must have gone through when the white men came. I don’t know what I think of Nwoye leaving. On the one hand, Okonkwo was pretty harsh and a very tough father. Then again, I do see him as a kind of traitor to his family. I had never really thought of the mental battle the clan must have gone through in trying to fathom a different god from the ones they had always worshipped. It must have been really tough to see men slowly convert and then have to disassociate yourself with these “traitors”. Okonkwo’s reaction of immediately wanting battle made me dislike him once more, but then again I didn’t really like the missionaries. What they were doing is good, such as saving the twins, but they also tore the village apart. I guess there is really no way to do good and keep everybody happy. I must admit that I did smile when the missionaries baffled the elders by surviving the Evil Forest and killing the python. I found it entertaining to watch these leaders scramble for explanations, but I’m sure this was no funny at all for the actual tribesmen. This section of reading made me think about things more than any other section, and I believe that a good book should make you consider different topics and viewpoints.
Things Fall Apart
Chapters 19-21
The beginning of chapter 19 really got me all psyched up for Okonkwo’s return. All the talk of returning with two beautiful daughters and initiating his sons into a sacred sect really got my blood flowing. My mind got to racing as I thought of all the great things Okonkwo could do upon his return. I am glad to see that he hosted a feast for his mother’s clan, and I am also glad to see that he went all out on this party. I was beginning to fear that he lived those seven years in hatred and never stopped to realize how generous his mother’s clan was for taking him in. I don’t really get Okonkwo’s fascination with wishing Ezinma was a boy. I mean, I understand the concept, but I don’t think it has to be stressed chapter after chapter. I am not happy to see the presence of white men. I think Umofia was much better off in the beginning of the book when white men were only a legend. I disagree with the white men stepping in with their own justice system and punishment. They have gone from missionaries to rulers. I am a Mr. Brown fan as I read of his less intrusive missionary agenda. I like how he does not force the religion upon the people, but instead openly discussed differences in beliefs. Schools are one blessing the white men brought with them, but then again, the clan was doing just fine without them. A white-man education is only required to succeed in a white-man world. Finally, I am expecting some unfortunate events in the future with the departure of Mr. Brown. Most likely it will be a severe clan versus church conflict.
Things Fall Apart
Chapters 22-25
Ah yes, I foresaw a problem concerning a conflict with the church, and Mr. Smith was that problem. As a side note, I believe that Mr. Brown’s name is in reference to the clan’s skin color which shows that he will be friendly with them. I really like the scenes with the egwugwu and the church is basically the exact rival of them. The egwugwu had ruled for centuries, and I hate to see their power fall. That idiot Enoch had to go and cause all the problems with his rash actions. Unfortunately, I can see people in my own life as being modern day Enoch’s. I am very glad to see that the egwugwu did no harm Mr. Smith, because that way I could remain on the tribe’s side within this conflict. The commissioner has greatly angered me with his deception of taking custody of the men and with how they were treated. The messengers are very evil men, with everything from the beatings to the overcharging of the clan. The people of Africa really must have had it tough as every white man was selfish and out for his own personal gain and enjoyment. The imprisonment scene and stony faced leaders were easily envisioned thanks to countless related movie depictions. I was very excited to see how the book would end and with the killing of the messenger I was on the edge of my seat. I was glad that Okonkwo killed him because he was arrogant and trying to stop a peaceful meeting in which white men should not be near in the first place. Of course I was trying to predict possible endings, but everything I considered was not a good ending. Suicide caught me by complete surprise and I had never even considered it as a finish to the book. I suppose it is the best possible ending to the plot, and Achebe made suicide seem noble. Okonkwo went through a lot in his life and I am still torn about my overall feelings toward him. He was a harsh man at times, but this was common in his clan and I only find it harsh according to my modern day American standards. It was a good book to read to consider Africa and this story that is rarely told of white men invading their homes. I am glad we read it.
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