The Igbo arguably run a democracy. Yams are held by the prosperous, social justice is looked highly upon, and the ability to move up in society is clearly present (Unoka failed himself and Okonkwo, yet Okonkwo has become quite the leader/high official -- I am seeing rags to riches here -- but in more of a powerless to powerful kind of way.)
It appears to me that Oknokwo never had the opportunity to appreciate his father because he was always selling him short and treating him harshly without the compassionate care most humans today expect from parental figures. Ironically, Oknokwo's son Nwoye also leaves a lot of affection to be desired for his father.
It is interesting pulling messages which can relate to current Western culture from this book. The one I pulled from these set of chapters is this: We often point out the flaws in our parents, only to later exclaim deep down that "we will never treat OUR kids the way OUR parents are treating us". Why is it then, that often times the roles stay the same? Kids that were treated badly have a better chance of treating their kids badly? When does the cycle end? When is the realization of necessary change actually executed?
Deep down, as I continue reading, I am pulling for Ikemefuna to bring Nwoye and Oknokwo back into a strong relationship. The passion Nwoye exhibits to Ikemefuna is inspiring…now only if that passion could be viewed by Oknokwo as a sturdy attribute to be proud of.
"No matter how prosperous a man was, if he was unable to rule his women and his children (and especially his women) he was not really a man." Chapter 7, Pg. 45
We see it in nearly every society known: The coming of age – or the more patriarchal term – “manhood”. Does Okonkwo beat his wife to show his superiority to females, or is he simply acting on a natural impulse? While the Igbo’s appear to be mainly male-dominated, Achebe shows us different lights of the culture, introducing us to the once great beauty Ekwefi and the hard not to love Ezinma. I feel as though there is significance in this; Women are influencing the happenings of this culture (such as the priestess Chielo)…they are substantial to the ways in which the Igbo live.
Three years pass quickly. It felt good reading about the growing bond of Ikemefuna and Nwoye. With a good role model, it seems to me that Nwoye sort of proved his “manhood” to Okonkwo, who appreciated his changed, more hardworking and masculine son. At first the locusts scared me (reflecting back on the plagues in Egypt). It was interesting for me to see how something I always thought was “bad” was used for good (a tasty food that the people somehow loved). Finally, the death of Ikemefuna was hard to fully comprehend. I feel as though I misunderstood his role. I thought he was so vital…so necessary for the continuation of the family that had accepted him. Obviously I was wrong. Okonkwo seemed to have no problem taking a machete to his “son”. Just to uphold his resilient position, Okonkwo will do just about anything. This sort of scares me. How can you respect someone who only wants respect for themselves?
The foreshadowing shown in chapter eight seems to be quite significant. The Igbo immediately believe that the "white men invaders" are a ridiculous made up myth, because it seems quite far-fetched to them. This is mostly because they lack the technological advancements in Nigeria that would lead them to believe that such a claim could likely occur within their own village.
Although not related to the above point, the Igbo people hold a very strong tradition which in many ways shapes the community that they live in...Sort of like how the constitution (our historical tradition of breaking away from England) shapes how we live today (laws, etc). It is interesting that the Igbo try to make sense of their high infant mortality rate with discussions of meaning and religion, instead of understanding that they simply do not have what people today would consider adequate healthcare (though they would never know/get this because it is 19th century Africa).
Finally - I go back to the democracy idea. A "court" is held with clan members, and a woman is given a fair chance to speak her peace. Although men run the Igbo style of government, it is clear to me that the women are still valued and appreciated. Whenever I think of African women, I usually ponder mutilation, rape, and unfair treatment. At this point in history, however, women in Nigeria were treated arguably the same way as in England and in other parts of the world.
When did “fair treatment” for women fall apart in our world? And who caused it?
The priestess of Agbala is mystifying and a bit scary. As she takes Ezinma away, I began to ponder who would seek her protection. Although somewhat predictable, Ekwefi's love for Ezinma is touching in this part of the story. I think that in nearly every novel I have ever read, I find someone or something that just makes me feel good and hopeful for humanity. At least for now, this love is it. Finding this just draws me into the novel more.
Ezinma is also loved by her father. Okonkwo follows the priestess, too, as determined as Ekwefi is to protect Ezinma. But on his appearance outside the cave, I was reminded of Okonkwo's character and limitations: he is carrying a machete, as if a physical weapon could protect him against gods and spirits. "'Beware Okonkwo!' she warned. 'Beware of exchanging words with Agbala. Does a man speak when a god speaks? Beware!'" (89). Okonkwo is making more sense to me now: Okonkwo’s approaches to problems are always very similar. He has one set of reactions: willpower and the strength of his mortal body. However, later in this section, Okonkwo is tested greatly. With the accidental fire of the gun, Okonkwo throws away years of upward social mobility. The Igbo must follow their cultural laws, and isolate him for seven long years. It is interesting that in nearly every section, the most climactic scene often revolves around the Igbo culture itself, as a united group of people who follow the same traditions. So again I revert back to the title: Things Fall Apart. Will the cultures of the Igbo fall apart? Or the people themselves? I am going to keep reading today to find out.
#14-18 "It was like beginning life anew without the vigor and enthusiasm of youth, like learning to become left-handed in old age."
Starting over is never easy. One day you think you have it figured out – like you are in total control of things – and the next day your life is completely changed and everyone knows everything about it. It is hard reading about Okonkwo losing passion over the things that used to make him feel good inside. When he is down, Okonkwo is willing to give into receiving love and compassion from females. It is interesting also that although Okonkwo and his family are isolated from their native culture, they still participate in a tribal ceremony. No matter where they go, they bring their sacred beliefs.
As I continue reading, I feel more connected to the author of this novel for giving a very balanced tale. Achebe never completely denounces the oracle, but instead offers the potential that the oracle is more than an attention seeking faker. Through the use of the oracle, the theme of “fate and the future” is brought up. With so many references to foreshadowing, it makes sense that numerous signs in the novel point to events that happen later.
"'We have heard stories about white men who made the powerful guns and the strong drinks and took slaves away across the seas, but no one thought the stories were true.'"
The stories were true. The white Christians come and bring with them a new religion which tears away at the Igbo values that once united a very large community. The Igbo culture is “falling apart”. It is interesting for me to see Nwoye wanting to believe something – not because he “feels it” wholeheartedly – but because it will anger his father. Teenagers in Nigeria feel a lot of the same emotions that teenagers today feel. If you want to get back at your parents, do something they wouldn’t expect, rebel, or just break the trust they once had in you to “always do the right thing”. It sure set Okonkwo off, and the craziest part is that Okonkwo is so numb to emotion; He doesn’t even seem to understand why Nwoye no longer respects and feels love for him.
While the Christians are bad, they are also sort of good. They bring with them a lot of stability and a strong leader (Mr. Kiaga). They also protect the twins from the dark Igbo customs which normally would have never let them live. That balance I discussed earlier is being shown again. I can see it. This author values fairness in perspective…always making sure both sides of the story are known before making a quick judgement.
Deep down, everyone has (or wants) a sense of home in their life. When home is no longer home, it is inevitable that change is on the horizon. Perhaps it is human nature to take a feeling of hominess for granted. After all, feeling wanted – as if you belong – is something I think most people have experienced at least once in their life.
It makes sense to me that Okonkwo becomes bitter being away from Umuofia. He knows that he must follow the laws that he himself upholds and respects, but he also is angry at being outcasted and losing the power that he values so much. What a shocker to come back to the post-imperialized town that was once so central to the way Okonkwo lived. When reading, I visualized myself coming home to Lima…everyone was speaking a language I didn’t know and worshipping a Scientologist God I didn’t understand (maybe that’s pushing it…but all the same, things were obviously quite different).
I love Achebe’s continued cultural tie-ins to the story. Enzima, once a very “sickly child”, no longer even catches a cold after the oracle encounter. I was humored by Mr. Brown and his scene with Okonkwo. There is obviously quite the culture barrier between the natives and the new Christians. I like how Mr. Brown and the other Christians are bringing some good upon the people (with the education and differing ways of looking at things), but I also side with Okonkwo when it comes down to cultural respect. In Theology this past year we learned of religious missionaries and how some gained the respect of followers by preaching the Gospel in the native tongue and explaining it in an easier to understand, more down to earth kind of way.
I think peace would be much easier if the “white men” had more cultural respect of the people of Umuofia. Then again, it wasn’t like history books were being written by the people which clearly outlined how they wanted newcomers to treat them. I guess to fully understand culture; you just have to experience it. Would I be romantic in hoping that this book ends with peaceful negotiation? Absolutely. But at the same time, how bad could this get? I’ll find out tomorrow.
"Okonkwo stood looking at the dead man. He knew that Umuofia would not go to war. He knew because they had let the other messengers escape. They had broken into tumult instead of action. He discerned fright in that tumult. He heard voices asking: 'Why did he do it?'"
Destructing a church will not destruct the presence of the people who built it. The natives of Umuofia think in simple ways. Their culture fell apart when complexity tricked and corrupted them. The people lost sight of justice, of honor, of spirituality, and of hope for the future. They are no longer self-governed. The once sort of democratic Umuofia has slowly unraveled into a totalitarian conquest with forced servitude. I almost feel shame reading this.
With the release of Okonkwo, I envision Moses in Egypt, without a promise land to find. The promised land was taken away, and now the people of Umuofia want revenge. They are angry. I then envision early slavery and the Jim Crow laws. The white men wanted to take away any hope of collaboration among the natives. Without collaboration, how could war be organized against them?
Okonkwo felt so much betrayal from his people, from his son, and maybe even from himself. Perhaps he felt he let himself down in the end, for by committing suicide he lost all of the power he ever had. Or did he? Maybe he thought he could gain power by doing what he did. Maybe he felt his actions could be symbolized to others in his tribe as a sign that everything they once held close had truly fallen apart.
What is fair? I wish I knew how to describe fairness and feel like I hit the definition perfectly. Is it fair that Umuofia was “pacified”? No, not at all. It is also not fair that things fall apart, that people fall apart, that places fall apart. But it happens anyway. Africa is how it is today, because over time, it fell apart. If imperialism would have never happened, the traditions there would be stronger and the continent would have less poverty. That is a guess, not a fact.
The number one thing I have taken from this book is this: We sometimes think we understand others completely…where they come from, what they do, who they associate it, how they act…but the truth is, we lack understanding in others because we lack understanding in ourselves. Okonkwo could not believe that he had “let this happen”, that he let his culture fall apart. Something inside of him died the day Nwoye betrayed him…the day he was exciled….the day he was emprisoned by the DC. And without that understanding in himself, he was nothing anymore. Nothing at all. And when things fall apart, sometimes it is impossible to put them back together.
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.
7 comments:
#1-4
The Igbo arguably run a democracy. Yams are held by the prosperous, social justice is looked highly upon, and the ability to move up in society is clearly present (Unoka failed himself and Okonkwo, yet Okonkwo has become quite the leader/high official -- I am seeing rags to riches here -- but in more of a powerless to powerful kind of way.)
It appears to me that Oknokwo never had the opportunity to appreciate his father because he was always selling him short and treating him harshly without the compassionate care most humans today expect from parental figures. Ironically, Oknokwo's son Nwoye also leaves a lot of affection to be desired for his father.
It is interesting pulling messages which can relate to current Western culture from this book. The one I pulled from these set of chapters is this: We often point out the flaws in our parents, only to later exclaim deep down that "we will never treat OUR kids the way OUR parents are treating us". Why is it then, that often times the roles stay the same? Kids that were treated badly have a better chance of treating their kids badly? When does the cycle end? When is the realization of necessary change actually executed?
Deep down, as I continue reading, I am pulling for Ikemefuna to bring Nwoye and Oknokwo back into a strong relationship. The passion Nwoye exhibits to Ikemefuna is inspiring…now only if that passion could be viewed by Oknokwo as a sturdy attribute to be proud of.
#5-7
"No matter how prosperous a man was, if he was unable to rule his women and his children (and especially his women) he was not really a man." Chapter 7, Pg. 45
We see it in nearly every society known: The coming of age – or the more patriarchal term – “manhood”. Does Okonkwo beat his wife to show his superiority to females, or is he simply acting on a natural impulse? While the Igbo’s appear to be mainly male-dominated, Achebe shows us different lights of the culture, introducing us to the once great beauty Ekwefi and the hard not to love Ezinma. I feel as though there is significance in this; Women are influencing the happenings of this culture (such as the priestess Chielo)…they are substantial to the ways in which the Igbo live.
Three years pass quickly. It felt good reading about the growing bond of Ikemefuna and Nwoye. With a good role model, it seems to me that Nwoye sort of proved his “manhood” to Okonkwo, who appreciated his changed, more hardworking and masculine son. At first the locusts scared me (reflecting back on the plagues in Egypt). It was interesting for me to see how something I always thought was “bad” was used for good (a tasty food that the people somehow loved). Finally, the death of Ikemefuna was hard to fully comprehend. I feel as though I misunderstood his role. I thought he was so vital…so necessary for the continuation of the family that had accepted him. Obviously I was wrong. Okonkwo seemed to have no problem taking a machete to his “son”. Just to uphold his resilient position, Okonkwo will do just about anything. This sort of scares me. How can you respect someone who only wants respect for themselves?
#8-10
The foreshadowing shown in chapter eight seems to be quite significant. The Igbo immediately believe that the "white men invaders" are a ridiculous made up myth, because it seems quite far-fetched to them. This is mostly because they lack the technological advancements in Nigeria that would lead them to believe that such a claim could likely occur within their own village.
Although not related to the above point, the Igbo people hold a very strong tradition which in many ways shapes the community that they live in...Sort of like how the constitution (our historical tradition of breaking away from England) shapes how we live today (laws, etc). It is interesting that the Igbo try to make sense of their high infant mortality rate with discussions of meaning and religion, instead of understanding that they simply do not have what people today would consider adequate healthcare (though they would never know/get this because it is 19th century Africa).
Finally - I go back to the democracy idea. A "court" is held with clan members, and a woman is given a fair chance to speak her peace. Although men run the Igbo style of government, it is clear to me that the women are still valued and appreciated. Whenever I think of African women, I usually ponder mutilation, rape, and unfair treatment. At this point in history, however, women in Nigeria were treated arguably the same way as in England and in other parts of the world.
When did “fair treatment” for women fall apart in our world? And who caused it?
#11-13
The priestess of Agbala is mystifying and a bit scary. As she takes Ezinma away, I began to ponder who would seek her protection. Although somewhat predictable, Ekwefi's love for Ezinma is touching in this part of the story. I think that in nearly every novel I have ever read, I find someone or something that just makes me feel good and hopeful for humanity. At least for now, this love is it. Finding this just draws me into the novel more.
Ezinma is also loved by her father. Okonkwo follows the priestess, too, as determined as Ekwefi is to protect Ezinma. But on his appearance outside the cave, I was reminded of Okonkwo's character and limitations: he is carrying a machete, as if a physical weapon could protect him against gods and spirits. "'Beware Okonkwo!' she warned. 'Beware of exchanging words with Agbala. Does a man speak when a god speaks? Beware!'" (89). Okonkwo is making more sense to me now: Okonkwo’s approaches to problems are always very similar. He has one set of reactions: willpower and the strength of his mortal body. However, later in this section, Okonkwo is tested greatly. With the accidental fire of the gun, Okonkwo throws away years of upward social mobility. The Igbo must follow their cultural laws, and isolate him for seven long years. It is interesting that in nearly every section, the most climactic scene often revolves around the Igbo culture itself, as a united group of people who follow the same traditions. So again I revert back to the title: Things Fall Apart. Will the cultures of the Igbo fall apart? Or the people themselves? I am going to keep reading today to find out.
#14-18
"It was like beginning life anew without the vigor and enthusiasm of youth, like learning to become left-handed in old age."
Starting over is never easy. One day you think you have it figured out – like you are in total control of things – and the next day your life is completely changed and everyone knows everything about it. It is hard reading about Okonkwo losing passion over the things that used to make him feel good inside. When he is down, Okonkwo is willing to give into receiving love and compassion from females. It is interesting also that although Okonkwo and his family are isolated from their native culture, they still participate in a tribal ceremony. No matter where they go, they bring their sacred beliefs.
As I continue reading, I feel more connected to the author of this novel for giving a very balanced tale. Achebe never completely denounces the oracle, but instead offers the potential that the oracle is more than an attention seeking faker. Through the use of the oracle, the theme of “fate and the future” is brought up. With so many references to foreshadowing, it makes sense that numerous signs in the novel point to events that happen later.
"'We have heard stories about white men who made the powerful guns and the strong drinks and took slaves away across the seas, but no one thought the stories were true.'"
The stories were true. The white Christians come and bring with them a new religion which tears away at the Igbo values that once united a very large community. The Igbo culture is “falling apart”. It is interesting for me to see Nwoye wanting to believe something – not because he “feels it” wholeheartedly – but because it will anger his father. Teenagers in Nigeria feel a lot of the same emotions that teenagers today feel. If you want to get back at your parents, do something they wouldn’t expect, rebel, or just break the trust they once had in you to “always do the right thing”. It sure set Okonkwo off, and the craziest part is that Okonkwo is so numb to emotion; He doesn’t even seem to understand why Nwoye no longer respects and feels love for him.
While the Christians are bad, they are also sort of good. They bring with them a lot of stability and a strong leader (Mr. Kiaga). They also protect the twins from the dark Igbo customs which normally would have never let them live. That balance I discussed earlier is being shown again. I can see it. This author values fairness in perspective…always making sure both sides of the story are known before making a quick judgement.
#19-21
Deep down, everyone has (or wants) a sense of home in their life. When home is no longer home, it is inevitable that change is on the horizon. Perhaps it is human nature to take a feeling of hominess for granted. After all, feeling wanted – as if you belong – is something I think most people have experienced at least once in their life.
It makes sense to me that Okonkwo becomes bitter being away from Umuofia. He knows that he must follow the laws that he himself upholds and respects, but he also is angry at being outcasted and losing the power that he values so much. What a shocker to come back to the post-imperialized town that was once so central to the way Okonkwo lived. When reading, I visualized myself coming home to Lima…everyone was speaking a language I didn’t know and worshipping a Scientologist God I didn’t understand (maybe that’s pushing it…but all the same, things were obviously quite different).
I love Achebe’s continued cultural tie-ins to the story. Enzima, once a very “sickly child”, no longer even catches a cold after the oracle encounter. I was humored by Mr. Brown and his scene with Okonkwo. There is obviously quite the culture barrier between the natives and the new Christians. I like how Mr. Brown and the other Christians are bringing some good upon the people (with the education and differing ways of looking at things), but I also side with Okonkwo when it comes down to cultural respect. In Theology this past year we learned of religious missionaries and how some gained the respect of followers by preaching the Gospel in the native tongue and explaining it in an easier to understand, more down to earth kind of way.
I think peace would be much easier if the “white men” had more cultural respect of the people of Umuofia. Then again, it wasn’t like history books were being written by the people which clearly outlined how they wanted newcomers to treat them. I guess to fully understand culture; you just have to experience it. Would I be romantic in hoping that this book ends with peaceful negotiation? Absolutely. But at the same time, how bad could this get? I’ll find out tomorrow.
#22-25
"Okonkwo stood looking at the dead man. He knew that Umuofia would not go to war. He knew because they had let the other messengers escape. They had broken into tumult instead of action. He discerned fright in that tumult. He heard voices asking: 'Why did he do it?'"
Destructing a church will not destruct the presence of the people who built it. The natives of Umuofia think in simple ways. Their culture fell apart when complexity tricked and corrupted them. The people lost sight of justice, of honor, of spirituality, and of hope for the future. They are no longer self-governed. The once sort of democratic Umuofia has slowly unraveled into a totalitarian conquest with forced servitude. I almost feel shame reading this.
With the release of Okonkwo, I envision Moses in Egypt, without a promise land to find. The promised land was taken away, and now the people of Umuofia want revenge. They are angry. I then envision early slavery and the Jim Crow laws. The white men wanted to take away any hope of collaboration among the natives. Without collaboration, how could war be organized against them?
Okonkwo felt so much betrayal from his people, from his son, and maybe even from himself. Perhaps he felt he let himself down in the end, for by committing suicide he lost all of the power he ever had. Or did he? Maybe he thought he could gain power by doing what he did. Maybe he felt his actions could be symbolized to others in his tribe as a sign that everything they once held close had truly fallen apart.
What is fair? I wish I knew how to describe fairness and feel like I hit the definition perfectly. Is it fair that Umuofia was “pacified”? No, not at all. It is also not fair that things fall apart, that people fall apart, that places fall apart. But it happens anyway. Africa is how it is today, because over time, it fell apart. If imperialism would have never happened, the traditions there would be stronger and the continent would have less poverty. That is a guess, not a fact.
The number one thing I have taken from this book is this: We sometimes think we understand others completely…where they come from, what they do, who they associate it, how they act…but the truth is, we lack understanding in others because we lack understanding in ourselves. Okonkwo could not believe that he had “let this happen”, that he let his culture fall apart. Something inside of him died the day Nwoye betrayed him…the day he was exciled….the day he was emprisoned by the DC. And without that understanding in himself, he was nothing anymore. Nothing at all. And when things fall apart, sometimes it is impossible to put them back together.
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