We talked about the danger of the "single story" on Tuesday. Select a quote from Section I or Section II of Things Fall Apart that you feel demonstrates Achebe's story. Discuss the importance of this quote in a few sentences.
"But I fear for you young people... You do not know what it is to speak with one voice. And what is the result? An abominable religion has settled among you... I fear for you; I fear for the clan." (page 167)
In this quote, Okonkwo is hosting a feast for the men of his mother's village before he returns to his own village. I feel that this quote demonstrates Achebe's story of change, focusing on the Christians coming to the villages, along with the feelings of uncertainty the elders have towards these changes. This quote is important because it shows that the lives of the villagers are already quickly changing.
Achebe is saying here that even the good things fade. The fire changes from a burning flame to cold ash. This symbolizes the villages. They go from being free and independent from outside influences to being run over and dictated by the Christian explorers. Their flame seems to die out. Achebe is showing the damage that these settlers do, and how they drench the flame of the villages.
"He began to eat and the birds grumbled angrily. ....He fell and fell and fell until he began to fear that he would never stop falling. And then like the sound of his cannon he crashed on the compound. ....That's why Tortoise's shell is not smooth (98-99) - This parable explains Achebe's story, which is if one causes trouble for someone else, he also causes trouble for himself. It foreshadows the main journey of Okonkwo as he is exiled from Umuofia and how his own son converts to Christianity. On the imperialism debate, Achebe wants these messages to show that colonizing only causes more trouble for the colonizer because it causes natives to turn against each other and fight, which must be controlled by the European's government.
"A man can now leave his father and his brothers. He can curse the gods of his fathers and his ancestors, like a hunters dog that suddenly goes mad and turns on his master" (167)
This quote portrays Achebe's story by showing the Europeans' influence on the Africans. While European Imperialism occurred the Africans were placed under European rule. They no longer had freedom to believe or act as they pleased. Everything outside of European customs was considered uncivilized. This is a point of view that Achebe can only take and is what makes up his "single story".
"And so nobody gave serious thought to the stories about the white man's government or the consequences of killing the Christians. If they became more troublesome than they already were they would simply be driven out of the clan." (pg. 130)
This quote shows the beginning problems that the Christians started within the African community. Achebe relates that at first no one seems to realize how much influence imperialism would have on the Africans, but then they slowly start to understand how much trouble it can cause among the loyalty of their people, however, they're still ignorant of the difficulty in stopping the European influence within their community.
Okonkwo was clearly cut out for great things. He was still young but he had won fame as the greatest wrestler in the nine villages. He was a wealthy farmer and had two barns full of yams, and had just married his third wife. To crown it all he had taken two titles and had shown incredible prowess in two inter-tribal wars. And so although Okonkwo was still young, he was already one of the greatest men of his time. Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings. Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands and so he ate with kings and elders." To me this shows that not all life in these places was full of poverty and sickness. It also shows us that no matter wha happens aslong as you "wash your hands" you can be great.
"When nearly two years later Obierika paid another visit to his friend in exile the circumstances were less happy. The missionaries had come to Umuofia." (Achebe 119)
This quote shows that Achebe feels that these missionaries were there for good reasoned, but due to the single story that they were told, they thought that they needed to engage in Umuofia and help them go away from "sinful" deeds when the Umuofians really didn't need it.
"But you are still a child, my child. Listen to me and I shall tell you. But there is one more question I shall ask you. Why is it that when woman dies she taken home to be buried with her own kinsmen?" (pg. 111)
This quote shows that Achebe feels like women are treated by most men, back then, like they only have one story. He believes that women have many stories just like men and they should be listened to. They aren't just for having children and for cooking food for their husbands. They can have many roles. I feel like the importance of this story is to talk about change, and why it is so important to learn more about people before believing what has been taught to us. Onkonkwo believed that women were not equal because those are things he witnessed, but after going back to his mother's tribe he sees that they do not think about women the same way.
"It was clear from the way the crowd stood it sat that the ceremony was for men. There were many women, but they looked on from the fringe like outsiders." (pg 87)
Achebe is expressing the lack of equity among men and women, and how the men were believed to be superior in this society. This represents a single story because it shows that all women were ignored, and looked down upon. It was possible they could have something beneficial to say, but it would never be heard because just the idea of women having independent voices was frowned upon.
"'We do not ask for wealth because he that has health and children will also have wealth. We do not pray to have more money but to have more kinsmen.'" Things Fall Apart pg.165
Achebe is using this quote as a way of contradicting the world's widely held belief that Africa is full of poor natives. In reality, the African natives from Things Fall Apart have done what so many other cultures haven't; they have placed a higher value on family (kinsmen) and a healthy life than money. This rare preference for family over enormous wealth that so many would view as a little crazy, is actually one of the purest ways of living that you could find. Truthfully, the natives of Africa have got their priorities right with choosing family over a lot of money.
"When nearly two years later Obierkia paid another visit to his friend in exile the circumstances were less happy. The missionaries had come to Umuofia." pg 143
Okonkwo had been raised, and raised his family in a place that had been taught one single religion, and never had the possibility to be open to another. He was not willing to be open to something new, even if it wasn't bad, simply because it wasn't what he had been taught for so long.
"He sighed heavily, and as if in sympathy the smoldering log also sighed. And immediately Okonkwo's eyes were opened and he saw the whole matter clearly. Living fire begets cold, impotent ash. He sighed again, deeply. (pg 153)
In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is a hard working traditional man that is blind to other's opinions. He stays strict with his beliefs and is quick to judge when he sees something that is not the norm. His story is near-sighted, constantly full of anger and cursing his chi. he is so flawed emotionally and strives in business. It is very clear that Okonkwo does not define the African culture and I think that's why Chinua Achebe chose to use Okonkwo's personality, it is relate-able and shows human flaws.
"But I fear for you young people... You do not know what it is to speak with one voice. And what is the result? An abominable religion has settled among you... I fear for you; I fear for the clan." (page 167)
Achebe is speaking about how he feels sorry for those who have fallen under the religion that he finds ridiculous. He fear what this will do to the people and to the clan as a whole. He thinks that everyone has lost their voice and that they can not think for themselves. This is important because it shows that the white people are slowly taking over everything.
"His life had been ruled by a great passion- to become one of the lords of the clan... And he had all but achieved it. Then everything had been broken... Clearly his personal god or chi was not made for great things." (pg 131)
Okonkwo believes that he cannot achieve his life goal because his chi is not strong enough. His tendency to blame others or a higher power for his shortcomings is evident throughout the novel. Consequently, his attitude only leads to further failure.This could possibly demonstrate a hamartia in Achebe's own personality.
"Okonkwo and his family worked very hard to plant a new farm. But it was like beginning life anew without the vigor and enthusiasm of youth, like learning to become left-handed in old age." (131)
Contrary to the single story many are led to believe about Africans, Okonkwo works very hard to provide. He is a simple farmer, trying to care for his family. Though exiled from past events, he works hard to try and rebuild himself. Some are led to believe that Africans are savages and cannibals, but they are normal, jsut not as civilized as other civilizations. He could've given up, but Okonkwo chose to carry on and rebuil. He has a spirit that some don't think others have.
"And at last the locusts did descend. They settled on every tree and on every blade of grass; They settled on roofs and covered the bare ground. Mighty tree branches broke away under them." Pg 48. Achebe is using this quote to demonstrate the story by the inevitable arrival of the colonizers. The repetition of the phrase "they settled" and the "mighty tree branches broke away under them" symbolizes the Europeans coming and breaking all of the traditional and cultural roots of the Igbo society.
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)
Achebe uses this quote to illustrate the terror of the people. It also symbolizes Okonkwo's fear of weakness and failure. After Okonkwo was exiled, he began to see things differently. Achebe began to demonstrate his fears as something not to ignore, but to accept. Throughout the book, Okonkwo's fears were further focused on, and they began to evolve due to his experiences.
""Does the white man understand our custom about land?" "How can he when he does nor even speak our tongue..."" (144) Obierika is saying that the white man doesn't understand Umuofia's customs because he doesn't understand their language.This idea is much like Achebes idea to show the West that the Igbo have language and culture too. The white men are making this culture fall apart by interfering. They don't understand how deep this culture runs and how important the language is to these people.
"His death showed that the gods were still able to fight their own battels. The clan saw no reason then for molesting the christans." (Achebe, Things Fall Apart, Pg.161)
Acebe shows a second view of the "Godless Savages". the fact that the do not only have a religious tridition but also have strong faith in it.
"Tortoise stood up in his many-colored plumage and thanked them for their invitation. His speech was so eloquent that all the birds were glad they brought him, and nodded their heads in approval." Pg. 83
Later on the birds find out that the tortoise went with them only for food. I feel this represents imperialism. The only reason Europeans traveled into Africa was because of power. They needed the precious resources Afruca had to offer. They also needed the land. So the Europeans seemed respectful and convincing until their true colors showed. Then it was possible to see the trickery.
"You think you are the greatest sufferer in the world? Do you know that men are sometimes banished for life? Do you know that men sometimes lose all their yams and even their children?" pg 112
This quote explains Achebe's story by showing that even in the midst of hard times or hardships in life, there was optimism, a hope for the future, and a joy in the things an individual or a group of people had. Achebe probably went through challenging seasons in his own life as a result of the civil war in Nigeria, but that did not mean that he gave up. He took all of the faults and tragedies that he witnessed and used them to tell a story and in a lot of ways, remove the "single story" idea of Nigeria from the rest of the world through his writing.
"Okonkwo's neighbors heard his wife crying and sent their voices over the compound walls to ask what was the matter. Some of them came over to see for themselves. It was unheard of to beat somebody during the sacred week," (26). This quote from Things Fall Apart is important because it shows that the culture of the Africans was not completely violent. This situation shows that, while it is considered normal by some to be a little violent, the people of Okonkwo's home land knew that violence was not the answer to everything, and that it was not something to be proud of during a sacred week. These people were not completely savage and ignorant, they knew right from wrong and knew when it was important to keep from giving in to basic instincts.
"It is like the story of white men who, they say, are like this piece of chalk," said Obierika. pg. 63
They judge the missionaries by the color of their skin but also by the fact that they come to change the people of the clan. Okonkwo will not tolerate change for that to happen would mean that he would lose some control over the current state. He is used to how things have always been and the missionaries come to convert his people. They have heard stories of the white man and make judgements upon those stories. This is important because this is a how a "single story" works.
"His life had been ruled by great passion- to become on of the lords of the clan. That had been his life -spring." (131) This represents Achebe's story because it shows the culture of the character he is trying to portray. It also relates back to himself because his life is fueled by great passion, only his is the passion to give the other story of the African people. His passion is to show that they are not all savages and show a true representation of them. This shows that the Africans in his book have ambitions just like white people, even though they may be different
"But I fear for you young people because you do not understand how strong is the bond of kinship. You do not know what it is to speak with one voice. And what is the result? An abominable religion has settled among you." (Pg 139) Okonkwo is telling his kin how important family is and that they do not need to be ripped apart by the white people. Achebe is telling us this through the story that Africans didn't stand a chance in colonization because the white man ripped their families apart. Family was the strongest thing the villagers had. There is a "single story" that the Africans did not have the technology that the Europeans had and that's how they took over. But Achebe is telling us a different story
"You think you are the greatest sufferer in the world? Do you know that men are sometimes banished for life? Do you know that men sometimes lose all their yams and even their children?" (page 112)
In this quote, Achebe is telling everyone that our current circumstances are not as bad as we think they are. Granted, no one can help the circumstances he or she goes through, but we must find the beauty even out of the ugly things. Many people have it much worse than others do, and in that, we should find blessings and peace within for the simple fact of how sanctified we all truly are.
"[…] he [Okonkwo] was not afraid of war. He was a man of action, a man of war. 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." Chap2
Achebe is showing that a man like okonkwo can be fearful of another and still stand taller. As in this quote it's okonkwo and his father but, this could be related to Achebes life, he is writing to a white audience and surely he feels intemedated and scared but he writes anyway conquering the obstacles and his fears.
"But I fear for you young people... You do not know what it is to speak with one voice." (p. 167) I feel like this makes a change in the focus of the book. It goes from mainly talking about the culture and the tradition of the clan to the way religion came in and started messing with the minds of the young people. They preferred to go to church than obey their parents.
"I fear for you; I fear for the clan." (167) This quote is about how the young people are leaving their clans to join the white settlers. They didn't want to just know the single story of their clan and follow the traditions everyone before them followed. They wanted a different outlook on life.
"But I fear for you young people... You do not know what it is to speak with one voice. And what is the result? An abominable religion has settled among you... I fear for you; I fear for the clan." (page 167)
ReplyDeleteIn this quote, Okonkwo is hosting a feast for the men of his mother's village before he returns to his own village. I feel that this quote demonstrates Achebe's story of change, focusing on the Christians coming to the villages, along with the feelings of uncertainty the elders have towards these changes. This quote is important because it shows that the lives of the villagers are already quickly changing.
"Living fire begets cold, impotent ash." (128)
ReplyDeleteAchebe is saying here that even the good things fade. The fire changes from a burning flame to cold ash. This symbolizes the villages. They go from being free and independent from outside influences to being run over and dictated by the Christian explorers. Their flame seems to die out. Achebe is showing the damage that these settlers do, and how they drench the flame of the villages.
"He began to eat and the birds grumbled angrily. ....He fell and fell and fell until he began to fear that he would never stop falling. And then like the sound of his cannon he crashed on the compound. ....That's why Tortoise's shell is not smooth (98-99)
ReplyDelete- This parable explains Achebe's story, which is if one causes trouble for someone else, he also causes trouble for himself. It foreshadows the main journey of Okonkwo as he is exiled from Umuofia and how his own son converts to Christianity. On the imperialism debate, Achebe wants these messages to show that colonizing only causes more trouble for the colonizer because it causes natives to turn against each other and fight, which must be controlled by the European's government.
"A man can now leave his father and his brothers. He can curse the gods of his fathers and his ancestors, like a hunters dog that suddenly goes mad and turns on his master" (167)
ReplyDeleteThis quote portrays Achebe's story by showing the Europeans' influence on the Africans. While European Imperialism occurred the Africans were placed under European rule. They no longer had freedom to believe or act as they pleased. Everything outside of European customs was considered uncivilized. This is a point of view that Achebe can only take and is what makes up his "single story".
"And so nobody gave serious thought to the stories about the white man's government or the consequences of killing the Christians. If they became more troublesome than they already were they would simply be driven out of the clan." (pg. 130)
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows the beginning problems that the Christians started within the African community. Achebe relates that at first no one seems to realize how much influence imperialism would have on the Africans, but then they slowly start to understand how much trouble it can cause among the loyalty of their people, however, they're still ignorant of the difficulty in stopping the European influence within their community.
Okonkwo was clearly cut out for great things. He was still young but he had won fame as the greatest wrestler in the nine villages. He was a wealthy farmer and had two barns full of yams, and had just married his third wife. To crown it all he had taken two titles and had shown incredible prowess in two inter-tribal wars. And so although Okonkwo was still young, he was already one of the greatest men of his time. Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings. Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands and so he ate with kings and elders."
ReplyDeleteTo me this shows that not all life in these places was full of poverty and sickness. It also shows us that no matter wha happens aslong as you "wash your hands" you can be great.
"When nearly two years later Obierika paid another visit to his friend in exile the circumstances were less happy. The missionaries had come to Umuofia." (Achebe 119)
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows that Achebe feels that these missionaries were there for good reasoned, but due to the single story that they were told, they thought that they needed to engage in Umuofia and help them go away from "sinful" deeds when the Umuofians really didn't need it.
"But you are still a child, my child. Listen to me and I shall tell you. But there is one more question I shall ask you. Why is it that when woman dies she taken home to be buried with her own kinsmen?" (pg. 111)
ReplyDeleteThis quote shows that Achebe feels like women are treated by most men, back then, like they only have one story. He believes that women have many stories just like men and they should be listened to. They aren't just for having children and for cooking food for their husbands. They can have many roles. I feel like the importance of this story is to talk about change, and why it is so important to learn more about people before believing what has been taught to us. Onkonkwo believed that women were not equal because those are things he witnessed, but after going back to his mother's tribe he sees that they do not think about women the same way.
"It was clear from the way the crowd stood it sat that the ceremony was for men. There were many women, but they looked on from the fringe like outsiders." (pg 87)
ReplyDeleteAchebe is expressing the lack of equity among men and women, and how the men were believed to be superior in this society. This represents a single story because it shows that all women were ignored, and looked down upon. It was possible they could have something beneficial to say, but it would never be heard because just the idea of women having independent voices was frowned upon.
"'We do not ask for wealth because he that has health and children will also have wealth. We do not pray to have more money but to have more kinsmen.'" Things Fall Apart pg.165
ReplyDeleteAchebe is using this quote as a way of contradicting the world's widely held belief that Africa is full of poor natives. In reality, the African natives from Things Fall Apart have done what so many other cultures haven't; they have placed a higher value on family (kinsmen) and a healthy life than money. This rare preference for family over enormous wealth that so many would view as a little crazy, is actually one of the purest ways of living that you could find. Truthfully, the natives of Africa have got their priorities right with choosing family over a lot of money.
"When nearly two years later Obierkia paid another visit to his friend in exile the circumstances were less happy. The missionaries had come to Umuofia." pg 143
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo had been raised, and raised his family in a place that had been taught one single religion, and never had the possibility to be open to another. He was not willing to be open to something new, even if it wasn't bad, simply because it wasn't what he had been taught for so long.
"He sighed heavily, and as if in sympathy the smoldering log also sighed. And immediately Okonkwo's eyes were opened and he saw the whole matter clearly. Living fire begets cold, impotent ash. He sighed again, deeply. (pg 153)
ReplyDeleteIn Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is a hard working traditional man that is blind to other's opinions. He stays strict with his beliefs and is quick to judge when he sees something that is not the norm. His story is near-sighted, constantly full of anger and cursing his chi. he is so flawed emotionally and strives in business. It is very clear that Okonkwo does not define the African culture and I think that's why Chinua Achebe chose to use Okonkwo's personality, it is relate-able and shows human flaws.
"But I fear for you young people... You do not know what it is to speak with one voice. And what is the result? An abominable religion has settled among you... I fear for you; I fear for the clan." (page 167)
ReplyDeleteAchebe is speaking about how he feels sorry for those who have fallen under the religion that he finds ridiculous. He fear what this will do to the people and to the clan as a whole. He thinks that everyone has lost their voice and that they can not think for themselves. This is important because it shows that the white people are slowly taking over everything.
"His life had been ruled by a great passion- to become one of the lords of the clan... And he had all but achieved it. Then everything had been broken... Clearly his personal god or chi was not made for great things." (pg 131)
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo believes that he cannot achieve his life goal because his chi is not strong enough. His tendency to blame others or a higher power for his shortcomings is evident throughout the novel. Consequently, his attitude only leads to further failure.This could possibly demonstrate a hamartia in Achebe's own personality.
"Okonkwo and his family worked very hard to plant a new farm. But it was like beginning life anew without the vigor and enthusiasm of youth, like learning to become left-handed in old age." (131)
ReplyDeleteContrary to the single story many are led to believe about Africans, Okonkwo works very hard to provide. He is a simple farmer, trying to care for his family. Though exiled from past events, he works hard to try and rebuild himself. Some are led to believe that Africans are savages and cannibals, but they are normal, jsut not as civilized as other civilizations. He could've given up, but Okonkwo chose to carry on and rebuil. He has a spirit that some don't think others have.
"And at last the locusts did descend. They settled on every tree and on every blade of grass; They settled on roofs and covered the bare ground. Mighty tree branches broke away under them." Pg 48.
ReplyDeleteAchebe is using this quote to demonstrate the story by the inevitable arrival of the colonizers. The repetition of the phrase "they settled" and the "mighty tree branches broke away under them" symbolizes the Europeans coming and breaking all of the traditional and cultural roots of the Igbo society.
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)
ReplyDeleteAchebe uses this quote to illustrate the terror of the people. It also symbolizes Okonkwo's fear of weakness and failure. After Okonkwo was exiled, he began to see things differently. Achebe began to demonstrate his fears as something not to ignore, but to accept. Throughout the book, Okonkwo's fears were further focused on, and they began to evolve due to his experiences.
""Does the white man understand our custom about land?" "How can he when he does nor even speak our tongue..."" (144)
ReplyDeleteObierika is saying that the white man doesn't understand Umuofia's customs because he doesn't understand their language.This idea is much like Achebes idea to show the West that the Igbo have language and culture too. The white men are making this culture fall apart by interfering. They don't understand how deep this culture runs and how important the language is to these people.
"His death showed that the gods were still able to fight their own battels. The clan saw no reason then for molesting the christans." (Achebe, Things Fall Apart, Pg.161)
ReplyDeleteAcebe shows a second view of the "Godless Savages". the fact that the do not only have a religious tridition but also have strong faith in it.
"Tortoise stood up in his many-colored plumage and thanked them for their invitation. His speech was so eloquent that all the birds were glad they brought him, and nodded their heads in approval." Pg. 83
ReplyDeleteLater on the birds find out that the tortoise went with them only for food. I feel this represents imperialism. The only reason Europeans traveled into Africa was because of power. They needed the precious resources Afruca had to offer. They also needed the land. So the Europeans seemed respectful and convincing until their true colors showed. Then it was possible to see the trickery.
"You think you are the greatest sufferer in the world? Do you know that men are sometimes banished for life? Do you know that men sometimes lose all their yams and even their children?" pg 112
ReplyDeleteThis quote explains Achebe's story by showing that even in the midst of hard times or hardships in life, there was optimism, a hope for the future, and a joy in the things an individual or a group of people had. Achebe probably went through challenging seasons in his own life as a result of the civil war in Nigeria, but that did not mean that he gave up. He took all of the faults and tragedies that he witnessed and used them to tell a story and in a lot of ways, remove the "single story" idea of Nigeria from the rest of the world through his writing.
"Okonkwo's neighbors heard his wife crying and sent their voices over the compound walls to ask what was the matter. Some of them came over to see for themselves. It was unheard of to beat somebody during the sacred week," (26). This quote from Things Fall Apart is important because it shows that the culture of the Africans was not completely violent. This situation shows that, while it is considered normal by some to be a little violent, the people of Okonkwo's home land knew that violence was not the answer to everything, and that it was not something to be proud of during a sacred week. These people were not completely savage and ignorant, they knew right from wrong and knew when it was important to keep from giving in to basic instincts.
ReplyDelete"It is like the story of white men who, they say, are like this piece of chalk," said Obierika. pg. 63
ReplyDeleteThey judge the missionaries by the color of their skin but also by the fact that they come to change the people of the clan. Okonkwo will not tolerate change for that to happen would mean that he would lose some control over the current state. He is used to how things have always been and the missionaries come to convert his people. They have heard stories of the white man and make judgements upon those stories. This is important because this is a how a "single story" works.
"His life had been ruled by great passion- to become on of the lords of the clan. That had been his life -spring." (131)
ReplyDeleteThis represents Achebe's story because it shows the culture of the character he is trying to portray. It also relates back to himself because his life is fueled by great passion, only his is the passion to give the other story of the African people. His passion is to show that they are not all savages and show a true representation of them. This shows that the Africans in his book have ambitions just like white people, even though they may be different
"But I fear for you young people because you do not understand how strong is the bond of kinship. You do not know what it is to speak with one voice. And what is the result? An abominable religion has settled among you." (Pg 139)
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo is telling his kin how important family is and that they do not need to be ripped apart by the white people. Achebe is telling us this through the story that Africans didn't stand a chance in colonization because the white man ripped their families apart. Family was the strongest thing the villagers had. There is a "single story" that the Africans did not have the technology that the Europeans had and that's how they took over. But Achebe is telling us a different story
"You think you are the greatest sufferer in the world? Do you know that men are sometimes banished for life? Do you know that men sometimes lose all their yams and even their children?" (page 112)
ReplyDeleteIn this quote, Achebe is telling everyone that our current circumstances are not as bad as we think they are. Granted, no one can help the circumstances he or she goes through, but we must find the beauty even out of the ugly things. Many people have it much worse than others do, and in that, we should find blessings and peace within for the simple fact of how sanctified we all truly are.
"[…] he [Okonkwo] was not afraid of war. He was a man of action, a man of war. 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." Chap2
ReplyDeleteAchebe is showing that a man like okonkwo can be fearful of another and still stand taller. As in this quote it's okonkwo and his father but, this could be related to Achebes life, he is writing to a white audience and surely he feels intemedated and scared but he writes anyway conquering the obstacles and his fears.
"But I fear for you young people... You do not know what it is to speak with one voice." (p. 167)
ReplyDeleteI feel like this makes a change in the focus of the book. It goes from mainly talking about the culture and the tradition of the clan to the way religion came in and started messing with the minds of the young people. They preferred to go to church than obey their parents.
"I fear for you; I fear for the clan." (167)
ReplyDeleteThis quote is about how the young people are leaving their clans to join the white settlers. They didn't want to just know the single story of their clan and follow the traditions everyone before them followed. They wanted a different outlook on life.