"Unlike his father he could stand the look of blood. In Umuofia's latest war he was the first to bring home a human head. That was his fifth head, and he was not an old man yet." pg.10 "Things Fall Apart"
I feel that the above quote from part one of "Things Fall Apart," creates a link with "Heart of Darkness" on the topic of the savagery of African natives. The idea of cutting off human heads and bringing them home as trophies of war makes Okonkwo and his people seem savage in my mind. It definitely feels as though trophy custom of Okonkwo and his people in times of war depicts them as the sinister savages that "Heart of Darkness" made African natives out to be.
"Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (61)
The quote above from "Things Fall Apart" connects very well to "Heart of Darkness" and it's recurring savage views of African natives. It portrays Okonkwo as a ruthless savage that isn't above killing his son. It shows how the culture itself is ruthless and has no mercy, even for a child. Additionally this quote shows a darkness that also recurs throughout "Heart of Darkness" through dark setting and character descriptions. That is how the quote connects the two novels.
"Anyone who knew his grim struggle against poverty and misfortune could not say he had been lucky. If ever a man deserved success, that man was Okonkwo." (23)
This quote relates to Kurtz. He was not born wealthy. He went into the darkness of the earth to make something of himself. He worked and came out of his poverty. However, this desire for power and wealth was his downfall. As we see in "Things Fall Apart", Okonkwo also begins to slide downwards because of his achievements. Both men cannot control their success. It ends up breaking them.
"It was the dead man's sixteen year old son, who with his brothers and half-brothers had been dancing the traditional farewell to their father. Okonkwo's gun had exploded and a piece of iron had pierced the boy's heart." (124) -This quote relates to the savagery of the Africans in Heart of Darkness along with some opposition. To begin, he is seen that people are accustomed seeing the dead and killing others. This event is foreshadowed by his quick thinking causing the death of Ikemafuna, which shows the level of savagery. In opposition, the consequences and circumstances surrounding the incident show the government of Umuofia and how "modern" they are. They were celebrating at a funeral and an accident occurred and yet, there is still a consequence like there would be in western and European cultures.
"The bush was alive with the tread of feet on dry leaves and sticks and the moving aside of tree branches." (70)
I feel as if this quote outlines the jungle's description of mysterious evil and Marlow's feelings toward it. The next sentence states, "Ezinma went deeper and deeper and the crowd went with her" , which reminds me of 'Heart of Darkness' "We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness" (50-51 HOD).
In "Things Fall Apart" someone's chi determines most of their life outcomes and experiences. "Your chi is very much awake, my friend" (48). If you have good chi, the village people will talk much of someone because of one's many accomplishments. "Heart of Darkness" shares this labeling through accomplishments. As Marlow signs his papers , his chi is uneasy. "I began to feel uneasy. you know i am not use to such ceremonies." (25) But to advance his achievements, he must go through with the unknown. Both of them share chi and fate.
"..and something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow." (61)
This reminds me of how Marlow felt when Kurtz dies on the boat. Marlow didn't show much emotion but knew what happened. Much like Marlow, Nwoye just hung limp after being told that Ikemefuna was killed, not showing much emotion and feeling but pondered on it.
"And he did pounce on people quite often. He had a slight stammer and whenever he was angry and could not get his words out quickly enough, he would use his fists." pg 4
This gives readers the idea that Okonkwo is a savage. In "Heart of Darkness" Marlo seemed to think that the savages on the island couldn't think for themselves. Okonkwo used his fists not his words and acted like a savage.
"The old man bore no ill will towards Okonkwo. Indeed respected him for his industry and success." (pg 26) Okonkwo's character is illustrated in the same light as Kurtz in "Heart of Darkness." Both of these characters are widely revered and respected for their achievements. They were born in a state of poverty and created success for themselves. However, their actions show probable cause for one to be weary of their motives.
"The priestess in those days was a woman called Chika. she was full of the power of her God , and she was greatly feared." 17
This woman's commandeering and intimidating actions remind me of the woman who took care of Kurtz in "Heart Of Darkness." She was tall and terrifying. Many people were afraid and mystified by her,including Marlow. This woman reminds me of Chicka in "Things Fall Apart," due to their mystical and overbearing natures.
"Even as a little boy he had resented his father's failures and weakness." -page 13.
Okonkwo and Marlow are the same in the sense that they both go out and try to make something of themselves. They'd rather be working than not succeeding in some way.
"Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements." (page 3)
In this quote, I can compare Okonkwo and Kurtz. Kurtz is known throughout the ivory company, as Okonkwo is known throughout the villages. Both of these men are seen as powerful, dominant men.
"Okonkwo did not have the start in life which many young men usually had. He did not inherit a barn from his father. There was no barn to inherit." (P. 15)
In this quote, I compare Okonkwo and Marlow. Marlow didn't have a job. He had to get his aunt to get him a job, which is not normal. She had to get it for him because he didn't have the resources or connections to get a job for himself.Marliw had to start from scratch and so did Okonkwo. They started with nothing and planned to get everything.
"The Personal dynamism required to counter of these extremes of weather would be far too great for the human frame" (P. 34)
I believe this one sentence links the two books on a deeper level. Kurtz, Marlow, and even Okonkwo all are men trying to carry a wight that no mere man can carry.
"Perhaps down on his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness."(Pg 12)
This quotation connects Kurtz to Okonkwo. It shows that although Okonkwo is revered by many as a hero, much like Kurtz, his life is dominated by a fear of failure, which I saw a lot of in Kurtz.
"Darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them. Children were warned not to whistle at night for fear of evil spirits. Dangerous animals became even more sinister and uncanny in the dark." (9) Since "Heart of Darkness" is set in the middle of Africa, it is a dark place. The unknown makes it even more sinister. This quote connects these two books by fear. The unknown is what makes the people fearful. Marlow and his crew fear the natives, and the natives fear upsetting their gods.
"His first two wives ran out in great alarm pleading with him that it was the sacred week."
This connects to The Heart of Darkness in the sense that it is wrong. It's okay if a man beats his wife as long as it isn't during this week. This is the same pattern in the Heart of Darkness. It's okay to take someone resources and money as long as it is for your country, but if it's for your own personal gain then it becomes wrong.
"And when she returned he beat her very heavily. In his anger he had forgotten that it was the week of peace." Pg 26. This relates to the heart of darkness through savagery. The male characters of this book beat there wives, all of them. There are some cases in America where husbands beat there wives, but not every husband like in the books "Things Fall Apart". This excessive beating portrays the characteristic of savagery.
"...and something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow." This reminded me of the feelings Marlow had at the time of Kutz' death. Marlow was not very emotional but he was in pain. Marlow like Nwoye just felt defeated when he was told that Ikemefuna was killed.
"Ezinma went deeper and deeper and the crowd went with her" (pg. 70)
The reminds me most of the quote from Heart of Darkness, "We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness" (pg 50-51 HOD), talking about cutting deeper into the unknown. It seems that they are talking about a sense of mystery and having to go deeper to find the meaning behind it.
"And then from the center of the delerious fury came a cry of agony and shouts of horror." (Pg. 105)
I feel like this connects with Heart of Darkness because the Indians in Things Fall Apart and the Africans in HOD act crazy because of different rituals they have. They all act like savages. Then the boy cried out in agony as he died like Kurt's did when he died and said "The horror, The horror." Both books have death in them and many acts of savagery.
"Darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them. Children were warned not to whistle at night for fear of evil spirits. Dangerous animals became even more sinister and uncanny in the dark," (Things Fall Apart, 9).
This quote relates to "Heart of Darkness" because it describes the African jungle as a dark and eerie place that is fearful. Marlow experiences this uneasy feeling about the Congo when traveling down the Congo River. Both "Heart of Darkness" and "Things Fall Apart" say that the African jungle is dark and causes whoever enters it to feel fear.
"And something seemed to give up inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow. He did not cry. He just hung limp."(pg. 61)
In the end of "Heart of Darkness", Marlow began to lose the hope in the progression of Africa that he felt so strongly beforehand. After meeting Kurtz, and discovering he was not this mighty figure everyone had described, and being able to view the true darkness in Africa, he felt hopeless. After Kurtz' death, Marlow felt "limp" also because of his realization he had not done all he had wished to do.
In a lot of ways, Kurtz was afraid of being weak as well. He feared what could/would happen to him if the savages knew how weak he truly was, both mentally and physically. It makes it a bit ironic how Kurtz died of being sickly weak, and Okonkwo wound up killing a child to show he wasn't weak. Kurtz's true weakness killed him and Okonkwo's fear of being thought weak got someone else killed.
“In Umuofia’s latest war he was the first to bring home a human head. That was his fifth head; and he was not an old man yet. On great occasions such as the funeral of a village celebrity he drank his palm-wine from his first human head.” (p. 8)
This relates to the human heads on sticks that Marlow sees in the Congo in "Heart of Darkness", while in "Things Fall Apart", they are used as glasses. This shows an example of the savagery that is in "Things Fall Apart" but also how the people are civilized. Savagery is the reoccurring theme in both books and the mention of the Africans being civilized is never made.
"The women and children sent up a great shout and took to their heels. It was instinctive." (pg 75)
This makes a connection to "Heart of Darkness" as it suggests that the Africans have more instincts than they have the ability to make rational decisions or use willpower. Throughout "Heart of Darkness", Marlow looks at the Africans as savage, turning towards an almost animal-like behavior without even really being able to control it. In the same way in "Things Fall Apart", aspects of their daily lives point to an instinct based, uncivilized way of life for the majority of Africans.
In HOD the men were afraid to be seen as weak and that the savages would notice. Okonkwo was afraid of being viewed as weak by the others so much that he killed just to prove he was strong. Both books show people who are afraid of being weak because they didn't want to be seen as a ruthless savage, they wanted to be strong and firm.
"He was afraid of being thought weak." (61) Savagery is a clear theme in both of these novels. Savagery is a measurement on itrationality to a degree. Clearly he was being a bit irrational when he sliced his friend in half to prove he wasn't weak. Marlow also ended up being an irrational man towards Kurtz. Marlow studied the savages and how they acted. In TFA, the savages are given their own view points and how they react to the savagery is different than how Marlow reacts.
"He heard Ikemefuna cry, "My father, they have killed me!" as he ran towards him. Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being though weak." This connects with the savagery that is constantly mentioned throughout The Heart of Darkness. It shows that he is not even sensible enough not to kill his own "son" as he thought of him in the story. It also shows the harshness and just how brutal their culture is. They put their leaders thoughts above what they know is right, like how Okonkwo kills his son and another man in the tribe had to lead his baby twins out to die because they were thought to be evil. Maybe all this does make them savages after all, or is it acceptable because it's their culture?
"Unlike his father he could stand the look of blood. In Umuofia's latest war he was the first to bring home a human head. That was his fifth head, and he was not an old man yet." pg.10 "Things Fall Apart"
ReplyDeleteI feel that the above quote from part one of "Things Fall Apart," creates a link with "Heart of Darkness" on the topic of the savagery of African natives. The idea of cutting off human heads and bringing them home as trophies of war makes Okonkwo and his people seem savage in my mind. It definitely feels as though trophy custom of Okonkwo and his people in times of war depicts them as the sinister savages that "Heart of Darkness" made African natives out to be.
"Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (61)
ReplyDeleteThe quote above from "Things Fall Apart" connects very well to "Heart of Darkness" and it's recurring savage views of African natives. It portrays Okonkwo as a ruthless savage that isn't above killing his son. It shows how the culture itself is ruthless and has no mercy, even for a child. Additionally this quote shows a darkness that also recurs throughout "Heart of Darkness" through dark setting and character descriptions. That is how the quote connects the two novels.
"Anyone who knew his grim struggle against poverty and misfortune could not say he had been lucky. If ever a man deserved success, that man was Okonkwo." (23)
ReplyDeleteThis quote relates to Kurtz. He was not born wealthy. He went into the darkness of the earth to make something of himself. He worked and came out of his poverty. However, this desire for power and wealth was his downfall. As we see in "Things Fall Apart", Okonkwo also begins to slide downwards because of his achievements. Both men cannot control their success. It ends up breaking them.
"It was the dead man's sixteen year old son, who with his brothers and half-brothers had been dancing the traditional farewell to their father. Okonkwo's gun had exploded and a piece of iron had pierced the boy's heart." (124)
ReplyDelete-This quote relates to the savagery of the Africans in Heart of Darkness along with some opposition. To begin, he is seen that people are accustomed seeing the dead and killing others. This event is foreshadowed by his quick thinking causing the death of Ikemafuna, which shows the level of savagery. In opposition, the consequences and circumstances surrounding the incident show the government of Umuofia and how "modern" they are. They were celebrating at a funeral and an accident occurred and yet, there is still a consequence like there would be in western and European cultures.
"The bush was alive with the tread of feet on dry leaves and sticks and the moving aside of tree branches." (70)
ReplyDeleteI feel as if this quote outlines the jungle's description of mysterious evil and Marlow's feelings toward it. The next sentence states, "Ezinma went deeper and deeper and the crowd went with her" , which reminds me of 'Heart of Darkness' "We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness" (50-51 HOD).
This is Kennedy. Woops.
DeleteIn "Things Fall Apart" someone's chi determines most of their life outcomes and experiences. "Your chi is very much awake, my friend" (48). If you have good chi, the village people will talk much of someone because of one's many accomplishments. "Heart of Darkness" shares this labeling through accomplishments. As Marlow signs his papers , his chi is uneasy. "I began to feel uneasy. you know i am not use to such ceremonies." (25) But to advance his achievements, he must go through with the unknown. Both of them share chi and fate.
ReplyDelete"..and something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow." (61)
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of how Marlow felt when Kurtz dies on the boat. Marlow didn't show much emotion but knew what happened. Much like Marlow, Nwoye just hung limp after being told that Ikemefuna was killed, not showing much emotion and feeling but pondered on it.
"And he did pounce on people quite often. He had a slight stammer and whenever he was angry and could not get his words out quickly enough, he would use his fists." pg 4
ReplyDeleteThis gives readers the idea that Okonkwo is a savage. In "Heart of Darkness" Marlo seemed to think that the savages on the island couldn't think for themselves. Okonkwo used his fists not his words and acted like a savage.
"The old man bore no ill will towards Okonkwo. Indeed respected him for his industry and success." (pg 26)
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo's character is illustrated in the same light as Kurtz in "Heart of Darkness." Both of these characters are widely revered and respected for their achievements. They were born in a state of poverty and created success for themselves. However, their actions show probable cause for one to be weary of their motives.
"The priestess in those days was a woman called Chika. she was full of the power of her God , and she was greatly feared." 17
ReplyDeleteThis woman's commandeering and intimidating actions remind me of the woman who took care of Kurtz in "Heart Of Darkness." She was tall and terrifying. Many people were afraid and mystified by her,including Marlow. This woman reminds me of Chicka in "Things Fall Apart," due to their mystical and overbearing natures.
"Even as a little boy he had resented his father's failures and weakness." -page 13.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo and Marlow are the same in the sense that they both go out and try to make something of themselves. They'd rather be working than not succeeding in some way.
"Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements." (page 3)
ReplyDeleteIn this quote, I can compare Okonkwo and Kurtz. Kurtz is known throughout the ivory company, as Okonkwo is known throughout the villages. Both of these men are seen as powerful, dominant men.
"Okonkwo did not have the start in life which many young men usually had. He did not inherit a barn from his father. There was no barn to inherit." (P. 15)
ReplyDeleteIn this quote, I compare Okonkwo and Marlow. Marlow didn't have a job. He had to get his aunt to get him a job, which is not normal. She had to get it for him because he didn't have the resources or connections to get a job for himself.Marliw had to start from scratch and so did Okonkwo. They started with nothing and planned to get everything.
"The Personal dynamism required to counter of these extremes of weather would be far too great for the human frame" (P. 34)
ReplyDeleteI believe this one sentence links the two books on a deeper level. Kurtz, Marlow, and even Okonkwo all are men trying to carry a wight that no mere man can carry.
"Perhaps down on his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness."(Pg 12)
ReplyDeleteThis quotation connects Kurtz to Okonkwo. It shows that although Okonkwo is revered by many as a hero, much like Kurtz, his life is dominated by a fear of failure, which I saw a lot of in Kurtz.
"Darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them. Children were warned not to whistle at night for fear of evil spirits. Dangerous animals became even more sinister and uncanny in the dark." (9)
ReplyDeleteSince "Heart of Darkness" is set in the middle of Africa, it is a dark place. The unknown makes it even more sinister. This quote connects these two books by fear. The unknown is what makes the people fearful. Marlow and his crew fear the natives, and the
natives fear upsetting their gods.
"His first two wives ran out in great alarm pleading with him that it was the sacred week."
ReplyDeleteThis connects to The Heart of Darkness in the sense that it is wrong. It's okay if a man beats his wife as long as it isn't during this week. This is the same pattern in the Heart of Darkness. It's okay to take someone resources and money as long as it is for your country, but if it's for your own personal gain then it becomes wrong.
"And when she returned he beat her very heavily. In his anger he had forgotten that it was the week of peace." Pg 26. This relates to the heart of darkness through savagery. The male characters of this book beat there wives, all of them. There are some cases in America where husbands beat there wives, but not every husband like in the books "Things Fall Apart". This excessive beating portrays the characteristic of savagery.
ReplyDelete"...and something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow."
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of the feelings Marlow had at the time of Kutz' death. Marlow was not very emotional but he was in pain. Marlow like Nwoye just felt defeated when he was told that Ikemefuna was killed.
"Ezinma went deeper and deeper and the crowd went with her" (pg. 70)
ReplyDeleteThe reminds me most of the quote from Heart of Darkness, "We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness" (pg 50-51 HOD), talking about cutting deeper into the unknown. It seems that they are talking about a sense of mystery and having to go deeper to find the meaning behind it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"And then from the center of the delerious fury came a cry of agony and shouts of horror." (Pg. 105)
ReplyDeleteI feel like this connects with Heart of Darkness because the Indians in Things Fall Apart and the Africans in HOD act crazy because of different rituals they have. They all act like savages. Then the boy cried out in agony as he died like Kurt's did when he died and said "The horror, The horror." Both books have death in them and many acts of savagery.
"Darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them. Children were warned not to whistle at night for fear of evil spirits. Dangerous animals became even more sinister and uncanny in the dark," (Things Fall Apart, 9).
ReplyDeleteThis quote relates to "Heart of Darkness" because it describes the African jungle as a dark and eerie place that is fearful. Marlow experiences this uneasy feeling about the Congo when traveling down the Congo River. Both "Heart of Darkness" and "Things Fall Apart" say that the African jungle is dark and causes whoever enters it to feel fear.
"And something seemed to give up inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow. He did not cry. He just hung limp."(pg. 61)
ReplyDeleteIn the end of "Heart of Darkness", Marlow began to lose the hope in the progression of Africa that he felt so strongly beforehand. After meeting Kurtz, and discovering he was not this mighty figure everyone had described, and being able to view the true darkness in Africa, he felt hopeless. After Kurtz' death, Marlow felt "limp" also because of his realization he had not done all he had wished to do.
"He was afraid of being thought weak." (page 61)
ReplyDeleteIn a lot of ways, Kurtz was afraid of being weak as well. He feared what could/would happen to him if the savages knew how weak he truly was, both mentally and physically. It makes it a bit ironic how Kurtz died of being sickly weak, and Okonkwo wound up killing a child to show he wasn't weak. Kurtz's true weakness killed him and Okonkwo's fear of being thought weak got someone else killed.
“In Umuofia’s latest war he was the first to bring home a human head. That was his fifth head; and he was not an old man yet. On great occasions such as the funeral of a village celebrity he drank his palm-wine from his first human head.” (p. 8)
ReplyDeleteThis relates to the human heads on sticks that Marlow sees in the Congo in "Heart of Darkness", while in "Things Fall Apart", they are used as glasses. This shows an example of the savagery that is in "Things Fall Apart" but also how the people are civilized. Savagery is the reoccurring theme in both books and the mention of the Africans being civilized is never made.
"The women and children sent up a great shout and took to their heels. It was instinctive." (pg 75)
ReplyDeleteThis makes a connection to "Heart of Darkness" as it suggests that the Africans have more instincts than they have the ability to make rational decisions or use willpower. Throughout "Heart of Darkness", Marlow looks at the Africans as savage, turning towards an almost animal-like behavior without even really being able to control it. In the same way in "Things Fall Apart", aspects of their daily lives point to an instinct based, uncivilized way of life for the majority of Africans.
"He was afraid of being thought weak." (61)
ReplyDeleteIn HOD the men were afraid to be seen as weak and that the savages would notice. Okonkwo was afraid of being viewed as weak by the others so much that he killed just to prove he was strong. Both books show people who are afraid of being weak because they didn't want to be seen as a ruthless savage, they wanted to be strong and firm.
"He was afraid of being thought weak." (61) Savagery is a clear theme in both of these novels. Savagery is a measurement on itrationality to a degree. Clearly he was being a bit irrational when he sliced his friend in half to prove he wasn't weak. Marlow also ended up being an irrational man towards Kurtz. Marlow studied the savages and how they acted. In TFA, the savages are given their own view points and how they react to the savagery is different than how Marlow reacts.
ReplyDelete"He heard Ikemefuna cry, "My father, they have killed me!" as he ran towards him. Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being though weak."
ReplyDeleteThis connects with the savagery that is constantly mentioned throughout The Heart of Darkness. It shows that he is not even sensible enough not to kill his own "son" as he thought of him in the story. It also shows the harshness and just how brutal their culture is. They put their leaders thoughts above what they know is right, like how Okonkwo kills his son and another man in the tribe had to lead his baby twins out to die because they were thought to be evil. Maybe all this does make them savages after all, or is it acceptable because it's their culture?