I hope that everyone is enjoying both
summertime and our summer reading. It seems that we have all of the technical issues resolved. Awesome! Remember, if you are getting an error message, check YOUR settings and make sure you are using the correct browser. Also, I apologize for the late post here. I meant to post of Friday. I understand that many of you are away this week and it is okay if you are late on the post. Please keep in mind that I wont post threads early. I want students to finish the reading before they see my post, so your opinions are your own. However, my plan is to get them up a week before the due date.
The good news
is we are over half way through our book! I am happy to see that most of you
are keeping up with the reading and are posting on time. Keep going!
I am happy to see that most of you
are answering EVERY part of the discussion questions. I am not simply looking
for your opinion. Yes, the culture is different and Okonkwo can be a horrible
man and there are many sad occurrences. I am looking for a deeper connection to
the text. I am also NOT simply looking for a summary. I need to see that you
comprehend the text and are able to analyze each component. Be sure to answer
EACH part of the discussion questions.
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Here is an example of an exemplary
response to discussion thread #2:
Ikemefuna's death is horrific.
Describe your thoughts while reading chapter 7. How does the Ibo culture play
into the boy's death and the reactions afterward?
And now we see another weakness of
Okonkwo. He has to appear impressive to the other villagers.The fact that he participated in the execution of Ikemefuna,
shows that he is trapped in a paradox. If he doesn’t help kill him, he is
viewed as weak. But since he
did help kill him, he is sent into a depression and views himself as weak. Thus
you see that he cares more about what other people see him doing rather than
what he would do alone. I thought that it was terrible to attack Ikemefuna with
a machete. I do admire that Okonkwo didn’t tell him what was really happening.
Sometimes the anticipation and dread of the event would be worse than the
actual execution. That shows that he might have an inkling of a conscience.
After the execution Okonkwo is
depressed for a couple of days. He wonders why he feels so guilty. The rest of
his family is sad also. Nwoye was shocked and became mildly depressed and lost
all energy. But the other villagers don’t notice a thing. Some even treat it like
a sport. Ibo culture is brutal but it
seemed that Ikemefuna’s death was a little over the top.
The writer addresses all 3 of the
questions in the prompts:
1. What are your thoughts while reading chapter 7?
2. How does the Ibo culture play into the boy’s death?
3. How does the Ibo culture play into the reactions afterward?
The only suggestion I have for this response is to cite the source.
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We will be relating Things
Fall Apart to The Odyssey in the fall and it is
crucial that you all come in with a significant understanding of the text.
Please remember that these posts will equal a total of 100 points. This means
that you can and should have an A coming into the class in August. I cannot, however,
give full credit to students who are submitting assignments that are incomplete. Feel free to go back and add to any of your responses if need be.
Discussion Thread:
Chapters 10 introduces the egwugwu,
the clan’s ancestral spirits who administer justice. This sets up the
order of discipline that will inevitably be carried out on Okonkwo in the
following chapters. We learn about Chielo and the Oracle of the Hills and Caves
in chapters 11 & 12. This is another example of how the villagers don’t
have much say at all in their lives and that everything is left up to the
spirits. Chapters 13-15 are dedicated to Okonkwo’s exile and finally, the
introduction of the “white man.” These chapters are really a turning point in
both the novel and the culture itself.
Uchendu, Okonkwo’s uncle, calls all
of his family together. He asks Okonkwo about the meaning of Nneka (pg 116-7):
“’Can you tell me, Okonkwo, why it is
that one of the commonest names we give our children is Nneka, or ‘Mother is
Supreme’? We all know that a man is the head of the family and his wives do his
bidding. A child belongs to its father and his family and not to its mother and
her family. A man belongs to his fatherland and not his motherland. And yet we
say Nneka – ‘Mother is Supreme.’ Why is that?’”
Okonkwo does not seem to know the
answer to this seemingly easy question. Chapter 14 ends when Uchendu answers it
for him.
How does Uchendu answer his own
question? How does his answer relate to Okonkwo and the way he lives his life?
Why is this speech so significant at this point in the story?
Be sure to answer each part of the
discussion topic and support your answer by using specifics from the text.
Keep reading!
~Mrs. K
Uchendu answers his own question by explaining that yes, the child does belong to the father. But the father beats the child, and when he does, “it seeks sympathy in its mother’s hut (183 iBooks version).” The mother is always there to comfort and protect the child, and when the child is troubled, he/she most likely goes to the mother. So even though the father owns the child, the mother REALLY owns the child because she does so much for the child than the father does.
ReplyDeleteThis applies to Okonkwo because he has just been kicked out of his own village and has moved over to his motherland, where his mother is buried. This symbolizes when a child who is troubled comes to his/her mother’s hut for sympathy, love, comfort, and protection. The only thing is, Okonkwo may not have come to his motherland for comfort. Uchendu asks Okonkwo this: “Is it right that you, Okonkwo, should bring to your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted (184)?” Okonkwo is depressed and troubled. “His life had been ruled by a great passion—to become one of the lords of the clan (179).” But just like that, he was kicked out of his village and was forced to live somewhere else. His dreams were crushed! No wonder he was moping around! But what Uchendu is trying to teach Okonkwo is that he’s in his motherland. His mother is buried there. She can comfort and protect Okonkwo in her land just like she can comfort and protect a child in her hut.
Uchendu is also trying to teach Okonkwo that sometimes, he’s going to need to rely on someone. Okonkwo has been known as this big and mighty warrior who has no weaknesses. Okonkwo has to live up to his title, so he thinks that he can NEVER be vulnerable. That’s why he’s having a hard time letting his mother comfort and protect him.
At this point in the story, Okonkwo is going through some challenges and trials. But the amazing thing about trials is that it can change you drastically. It can change you worse, or it can change you better. If you handle the trial badly, you would be worse off than before you had the trial. Or you can handle the trial with patience and goodness and it can shape you to be so much better off than when you didn’t have that trial. That’s why I thing Uchendu is trying to have Okonkwo handle his trial the good way so that he can be so much better.
"A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." Who does the infant often cry for? Who is it that the children run to when they're hurt? Mothers have a certain tranquillity about them that few others possess. Uchendu explains this to Okonkwo in the story. The explanation is not only disclosed through words, the fact that his mother's family accepted him after he was exiled by his fatherland is evidence in itself. Uchendu answers his own question through verbal clarification and through physical manifestation.
ReplyDeleteThis explanation of compassion is a new thing for Okonkwo. He is an austere man who views emotion as weakness and thus blatantly rejects it. Uchendu insists that sometimes showing despondency is appropriate and proper. "Is it right that you, Okonkwo, should bring to your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted?" (62%) It will be interesting to see how he handles being at the mercy of someone else.
There was once someone, a child, at the mercy of Okonkwo. Ikemefuma's fate was fully in his hands. No mercy was shown that day. Okonkwo is so quick allocate retribution. What will happen when he is the one being chastised?
Uchendu explains himself by saying "It's true that a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats its child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut." (loc. 1483) The answer relates to Okonkwo, because "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland. The speech is so important because Okonkwo is thinking life is so terrible because he had to live in his motherland for a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers by using Okonkwo’s situation. He explains that the children belong to the father, but when he beats them they go to their mother’s hut for comfort. Okonkwo was “beaten” by his clan, he packed up his things and sought refuge in his motherland. His motherland accepted him and helped him. Now work wasn’t helping him get things off of his mind. I believe he is thinking of his clan and how they “betrayed” him. He used to be a great and strong man in his clan and was now kicked out. Uchendu pesters him saying “You think you are the greatest sufferer in the world.” He continues “Do you know that men are sometimes banished for life? Do you know that men sometimes lose all their yams and even their children? I had six wives once. I have none now except that young girl who knows not her right from her left. Do you know how many children I have buried—children I begot in my youth and strength? Twenty-two. I did not hang myself, and I am still alive. If you think you are the greatest sufferer in the world ask my daughter, Akueni, how many twins she has born and thrown away.”(104) This is significant because it makes Okonkwo’s banishment not seem as bad as what Uchendu has gone through. He has endured a lot of suffering and is humbled by it. Okonkwo gets a little thing compared to Uchendu and he can’t take it. Okonkwo isn’t as strong in heart.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question by reminding Okonkwo, or explaining to him, why he had come back to his motherland. As Uchendu describes, " A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." After Okonkwo had betrayed and felt betrayed by his fatherland he searched for comfort in his motherland. Uchendu points out that the phrase, "Mother is Supreme" is true by telling Okonkwo that the child searches out for their mother in need of love or compasion, other than the father. This relates to Okonkwo because he was pleased with his fatherland when he was well liked and successful. As soon as he was shunned and lost almost everything he searched for the love and compassion of his mother, resigning to his motherland. This is significant because Okonkwo needs to realize that he should treat his children and wives with respect to have a stronger family to rely upon when tragedy strikes, or to be prepared for what's yet to come.
ReplyDeleteUchendu says “I am an old man and you are all children”. (pg.133) While saying this he means to say that he is wise, much wiser than they are. He asks Okonkwo “Why it is that one of the commonest names we give our children is Nneka, or ‘Mother is Supreme’”? (pg.133) He then later on answers his question by saying “when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother’s hut.”(pg.134) He tells Okonkwo he must comfort his family as a mother comforts its child. Uchendu asks Okonkwo “You think you are the greatest sufferer in the world?”(pg. 125) He tells Okonkwo of his own sufferings and the sufferings of others, including one of his daughters. This speech, in my opinion, should have made Okonkwo guilty. He should have felt like he needed to help his family and be more positive because his life isn’t as bad as everyone else’s.
ReplyDeleteThis speech was specifically for Okonkwo. He has left his home and fled to his mother’s land. He has been “beaten” by his clan and must run to his mother, or his mother’s family for help and comfort. He must be like the mother to his own family too. He has to comfort his family so they know everything will be ok. At this point in the book, the speech from Uchendu can help Okonkwo. It can help him be a better man by helping his family. It may also help him get rid of the guilt and sorrow he feels for himself and his family.
He answers his own question by explaining to Okonkwo why he went to his motherland "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." (62%) It relates to Okonkwo, because when he was exiled for seven years he went to his motherland. This story is important in this part of the book because it shows Okonkwo that he has a place of refuge and to not sorrow anymore.
ReplyDeleteUchendu says, "a man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." (62%) A child belonged to his father, but when life got tough, he would go to his mother. When Okonkwo was exiled from his village, he went to his motherland. Uchendu says to Okonkwo, "You think you are the greatest sufferer in the world. Do you know that some men are banished for life." Uchendu tells him that he has had a hard life, and Okonkwo just has to spend a few years in his motherland.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo has done some punishing things that are troubling him and his family. Uchenda, Okonkwo's uncle is very wise are asks Okonkwo a question. He starts by asking why he thinks most children are called Nneka. Okonkwo doesn't answer. Uchenda tells him, "It's true that a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats its child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut." (pg. 134) He brings out the pain in Okonkwo to comments, Okonkwo doesn't. Uchenda asks, "Do you know that men are sometimes banished for life?" " Do you know that men sometimes lose all their yams and even their children?" these two questions pain Uchenda when he explains how he's lost many wives and children. (pg. 135)
ReplyDeleteAsking these questions to Okonkwo help him realize the wrong he is doing. At this point in the book you start to recognize the change in Okonkwo.
Uchendu explains the importance and magnitude of the mother’s role. The father may be the example of courage and strength, but the mother shows empathy, love, and support. “Your mother is there to protect you” (134). When troubled or afraid, a child goes to their mother, where there is a sense of comfort and love, feelings that are necessary for the child to recuperate well. When life is pleasant, men belong to their fatherland. On the other hand, when life is difficult to handle, men go to the land of which their mother is buried, for there they can find solace.
ReplyDeleteUchendu brings up the point that Okonkwo “is full of sorrow because he has come to live in his motherland for a few years” (134). Yet, he doesn’t understand the phrase “Mother is Supreme”. He came to Mbanta angry and upset, and instead of letting himself become lighter and more cheerful, he decides to dwell on his aversion of being there and is continually angry. In a sense, Okonkwo is too prideful and sees the comfort that he could receive as a weakness. He is a strong and mighty man; going to his motherland and accepting solace is below him.
Uchendu realizes the trials that Okonkwo is going through and presents this speech to teach Okonkwo that he can make a choice. He can endure this tribulation with patience and a good perspective, or he can choose to be miserable for the seven years he is set to live there. Okonkwo may not be able to change his situation, but he does have to power to change his mindset. Uchendu hopes to influence him onto the better path. This is a very critical decision in Okonkwo’s life that will affect him in times farther down the road. He wants to teach Okonkwo that there are many who have suffered more than he. Yet many of those individuals have dealt with their trials better than Okonkwo and come out much stronger than they previously were. “I did not hang myself, and I am still alive” (135).
Uchendu answered his own question buy explaining the difference between a mother and a father. He says how a mother is there to condole and protect her children, while children belong to their father. Throughout the book I feel that the woman are treated with disrespect but this shows the importance and teaches the family respect for their motherlands. Because of the crime Okonkwo has committed he brings with him to his motherland a "heavy face"(134) in which Echendu says he is refusing to be comforted by a mother's love. Echendu tells Okonkwo his responsibilities for the next seven years and says, "if you allow sorrow to weigh you down and kill you, they will all die in exile." I think that this was significant at this time in the story because it teaches Okonkwo a lesson and he has a change of heart so that his family can grow and prosper in the new land.
ReplyDeleteWhen Uchendu gathers his family together he tells them, “I am an old man and you are all children”. (pg.133) In other words, "I have lived a lot longer than you so I know a bunch of stuff you don't, so listen to what I have to say." He asks them,“Why it is that one of the commonest names we give our children is Nneka, or ‘Mother is Supreme?" (pg.133). I didn't understand what this meant at first and I had to read it fifty times before it clicked. He basically asks, "Why do we name our children 'Mother is Supreme' when the child belongs to it's father?" Later on, he tells Okonkwo that, "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." He answers the first question by saying that when everything goes right, you belong to your father. You don't need help, you don't need comfort, life is good. But when you get knocked down, hurt, and rejected, you run to your mother. She can give comfort and love, no matter what. The mother is always more capable of forgiveness and gentleness than the father is. The father is oftentimes stern and indifferent to the troubles of life. Uchendu taught Okonkwo this lesson through word and by making Okonkwo see this principle in his own life.
ReplyDeleteThis is something that Okonkwo needs to hear. It shows him that even though things seem tough now, he can find comfort here. Okonkwo has come to his motherland because he has been exiled out of his own land. He had to pack up all of his family to go to the land of his mother, which was hard for him to start over in this new place when he had such an ideal life in his own land. He has come to the land where his mother is buried so she and her family can comfort Okonkwo and help him overcome this difficult trial. That is how this lesson pertains to Okonkwo's life.
But Uchendu also basically tells Okonkwo to get over himself and to straighten up. Uchendu says, “Is it right that you, Okonkwo, should bring to your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted (184)?” He tells him that he needs to let go of some of his pride and let them help him. He then goes on to almost criticize Okonkwo by saying, “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? I had six wives once. I have none now except that young girl who knows not her right from her left. Do you know how many children I have buried—children I begot in my youth and strength? Twenty-two. I did not hang myself, and I am still alive. If you think you are the greatest sufferer in the world ask my daughter, Akueni, how many twins she has born and thrown away.”(104) Okonkwo needed that, because he was pitying himself because he was so close to having all four titles, and that suddenly got ripped away from him. Uchendu helps Okonkwo understand that there are far worse things in that world and culture than not having all the titles.
Uchendu answers his question by stating that while the father owns the child, the mother cares for and protects the child. “A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland.” (Page 134) This states that a man belongs to his fatherland when life is good but seeks out his motherland when he is in need of comfort or protection. To me, it points out that Okonkwo has had a strict hand and has beaten his family. He might have ownership over his wives and children, but the wives are supreme in the manner of comforting and caring for one another and the children. It also points out that Okonkwo has come to his motherland from his fatherland in a time of sorrow. Because he has gotten kicked out of his fatherland for seven years, he seeks the comfort and protection of his motherland. This speech is important right now to show Okonkwo (and the reader) that while man has ownership and power over his compound, women remain supreme as the caretaker and protector of each other and all their children. It shows us that while the father, or man, is in charge of and owns the people of his compound; the mother, or woman, gained control over their hearts and love.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question by explaining the different rolls between the mother and the father. "It's true that a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut." (Page 134) These two sentences basically sum up the two different rolls between the mother and father. The father disciplines and teaches the children. On page 134, Uchendu says, "Your mother protects you." This sentence means that the mothers roll is to protect and care for the children. After Uchendu gives his speech to Okonkwo, Okonkwo finally realizes that the women are the caretakers of the children and other women. This helps Okonkwo make his decision about what to do.
ReplyDeleteUchendu asks Okonkwo a question that he cannot answer, but he answers it on the next page. (pg. 134) "It's true that a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut. A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you. She is buried there. And that is why we say that mother is supreme."
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo, it seems, has changed because he hasn't beaten his children or wives in a while. I think that Uchendu answered his own question so that Okonkwo could realize how much his life is like his answer. "But if you allow sorrow to weigh you down and kill you, they will all die in exile." (pg.134) He wants him to see that if he doesn't that's what will happen.
Uchendu answers his own questions in a very explanatory way. He uses Okonkwo's own situation to answer so Okonkwo will understand his situation better.
ReplyDeleteDuring this time Okonkwo is living in guilt, shame, and I think he is feeling some bitterness to his fathers land. Uchendu tells him "...when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his mothers land. Your mother is there to protect you." (61%) That's why Okonkwo is in his mothers land to find protection and comfort. Even though he doesn't think he needs (or wants) it.
I think that the judgement was very harsh but Okonkwo, nor anyone in the village has control over it. This is why Okonkwo is feeling the way he is and needs to be in his mothers home land. Although his mother isn't there, the comfort that she once was and grew up there can console Okonkwo if she lets it.
Uchendu's speech ends with him telling Okonkwo that his life isn't as bad as he thinks it is. "Do you know how many children I have buried... Twenty two. I did not hang myself, and I am still alive." (62%) in this way Uchendu is telling Okonkwo that he can do this because it can always be worse, and that his life isn't as horrible as he is making it out to be.
Uchendu answered his own question by explaining how a man belongs to his fatherland and not to his motherland. He also talked about how a child always comes to his mother for comfort. He uses this analogy to show Okonkwo that he needs to be comforted and get over his sorrow so that when he returns he can be reaccepted into his fatherland. I think that it will help Okonkwo to care for his family and learn to love working as he did in his youth.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question because no one else can answer it. He states, "It's true a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut." (134) The mother is always there for a child and protects it and comforts it. Even though the father is the owner of the child, the mother looks after and takes care of the child. A mother is the true owner of the child.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo fled to his motherland after being exiled from his fatherland for seven years. His motherland accepted him and allowed him to live there until his seven year sentence was fulfilled. This is like a child running from their father to their mother to find safety and protection from its father. So Okonkwo is very similar to a child looking for safety and comfort.
Okonkwo needed this speech from Uchendu. It is telling him to be grateful for his motherland and to not be so solemn. "Is it right that you, Okonkwo, should bring to your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted?" (134) Okonkwo needs to learn that the child always goes to its mother and that the mother is the one that truly owns the child. Uchendu in a way is telling him that being a mother and woman can be greater than being a man.
Uchendu answers his own question by using Okonkwo's situation. Uchendu answers with, "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland" (98). Uchendu asks, "Is it right that you, Okonkwo, should bring your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted?" (99). Okonkwo, like all other children, has come to find comfort from his motherland, but he choses not to be comforted and to remain bitter and sad.
ReplyDeleteUchendu's answer relates to Okonkwo's way of life because Okonkwo beats his children often and they go to their mother's hut for comfort.
This speech is so significant at this point in the story because Okonkwo needed a sort of "wake up call" to remind him that he was not the only one in the world that was suffering and that the consequences of "his" actions were not as bad as others. Uchendu says, "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?" (99). He goes on to show more examples of greater sufferers.
Uchendu answers his own question by explaining it in Okonkwo's situation. Uchendu said: "Its true a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut."(134). Mothers are the ones who nurture and love their children when something upsets them. Its their job!
ReplyDeleteThis relates to Okonkwo very well because he beats his children. Then what do the children do, they run to their mothers for help and protection. I think Uchendu knew that he was beating his children so he wanted help him fix it without letting him know.
Okonkwo is going threw a lot right now. He just had to watch his son die! I think that this speech and this point of the story is very important because its sort of a wake up call. Its the start of a change. The speech is important because he now realizes that what he's doing is wrong. He knows that the path that he is on is leading him to destruction."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?"(99). He could either take the good or bad path.
Uchendu answered his question by giving an example. He said “When a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother’s hut.” (134) The mother is supreme because she can comfort her children and give them sympathy. During his speech, Uchendu also said “A Man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland.” (134) This is exactly what Okonkwo did. Like Uchendu’s speech about the mother supreme, Okonkwo went to his motherland for comfort and refuge after his exile. Okonkwo became depressed because of his exile. Uchendu saw this and decided to teach Okonkwo on this subject. He used his speech to tell Okonkwo to not be sorrowful anymore. Uchendu did not wish to see Okonkwo die and for his family to suffer and die also. If Uchendu had not given this speech to Okonkwo then that surely would have happened.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers by saying, "It's true that a child belongs to it's father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in it's mothers hut." (62%) This relates to what is going on in Okonkwo's life, he has been exiled or "beaten" by his fatherland, and now he seeks comfort from his motherland. Uchendu goes on to say, " Is it right that you, Okonwo, should bring to your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted?" (62%) He said that because Okonkwo is feeling sorry for himself and has given up. This frustrates Uchendu and he asks, "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?" (62%) It's important that he said that because his life could be much worse. Uchendu knows that, and he believes Okonkwo should know it too.
ReplyDeleteUchenu answers his question in a way that relates to Okonkwo and his situation.
ReplyDeleteIt relates to the way that Okonkwo, in a sense, has been beaten by his father tribe, so he must run home to his mother's tribe for safety and comfort. I think that Uchendu wants to point out that Okonkwo still has so much to learn and does not know everything, that he is still a child. "So you see that you are a child. You have many wives and many children-more children than I have. You are a great man in your clan. But you are still a child, my child."(pg133-134)
Okonkwo lives his life with a heavy hand, and gives his family the sense that he knows all when in reality he is a little child. This speech may help him realize this and help him be a better man and father, and may help him to be relieved of his grief.
Uchendu, I think is trying to tell Okonkwo that life in the motherland isn't that bad and only as shameful as you make it be.
Uchendu states,"I am an old man and you are all children". We are children and children react by the way we feel. "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." Uchendu relates his question to life in their village and how a mother (motherland) is kind and accepting.
ReplyDeleteThis little pep talk is just what Okonkwo needs, he is in exile for seven years and needs some support. After the speech Okonkwo changes, as if Uchendu's talk makes him feel some what better. Okonkwo needs this for the problems yet to come involving the albinos and son.
Uchendu answers his question by explaining that the father is important in times of prosperity, but "...when there is sorrow and bitterness, he finds refuge in his motherland." (134).
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo is going through the afore mentioned sorrow and bitterness. He has been exiled from Umuofia, and has to rebuild his abundance. Uchendu uses Okonkwo's situation to explain to him that he has come to his motherland seeking comfort, and he should receive the help he gets. He still has to provide for his family and comfort them. Uchendu explains that if Okonkwo allows his sorrow to weigh him down and kill him, his family will die in exile.
This event is definitely a turning point in the story. I think that it pulls Okonkwo out of his depression, and reminds him that he has a family to care for. Also, Uchendu mentions that, while things are hard, they could be much harder. It also illustrates Uchendu's concern for Okonkwo. He cared enough to reach out and buoy Okonkwo up.
Uchendu states on page 134 “When a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother’s hut.” He is saying that mothers are the comforters and that they know what a child needs the most. Uchendu says “A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you.” (134) Mothers treasure their children and will protect them no matter what. The song Uchendu recites states that when a mother dies everyone will feel sorrow and grief and no one will feel happiness or relief.
ReplyDelete“For whom it is well, for whom is it well?
There is no one for whom it is well.” (135)
I believe that is how he answered his own question.
Okonkwo's uncle, Uchendu, is very wise and asks his nephew a question. He starts asking Okonkwo why he thinks most children are called Nneka. Okonkwo doesn't answer. Uchendu tells him, "It's true that a child belongs to it's father. But when a father beats its child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut." (pg. 134). He tries to bring the pain out of Okonkwo so he will comment, yet he still stays silent. Uchendu asks another question, "Do you know that men are sometimes banished for life?" and another, "Do you know that men sometimes loose all their yams and even their children?" These two questions pain Uchendu when he wxplains how he has lost many wives and children. (pg. 135). Asking Okokwo these questions helps him realize that he has been doing wrong in his life for so long. At this time in the book you start to see the change that Okonkwo starts to make in his life.
ReplyDeleteUchendu dose an amazing job of answering his own questions. He dose this by giving example of how the mother is supreme. He give the example, "But when a father beats his child he seeks sympathy in his mother's hut. "(134) He dose this to explain that Okonkwo has came to his mother's home land because he seeks comfort. Uchendu also gives the example of having to have buried 22 children. He dose this to show Okonkwo things could have been worse than have to leave for seven years. He also shows Okonkwo that he has been living his life very selfishly. Only caring about his titles I the village. Uchendu's speech could not have came at a better time. It helped Okonkwo see past what was bad and see the good. Uchendu encourages Okonkwo to get over himself and comfort his family through these hard times.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question by explaining that your mother is there to comfort and protect you. "But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you." (pg. 98-99) This answer relates to Okonkwo by how Uchendu talks about how Okonkwo is sad and depressed. He also talks about how Okonkwo’s responsibilities in his family. “Your duty is to comfort your wives and children and take them back to your fatherland after seven years. But if you allow sorrow to weigh you down and kill you, they will all die in exile.” (pg. 99) Okonkwo, in the book at this point, is sorrowful. His sorrow effected his life by causing the enthusiasm to disappear. When the enthusiasm left, he would just sit around instead of doing other things. The speech is very important. It will probably turn Okonkwo’s current attitude into a better attitude. He will lighten up a little. Things will get better.
ReplyDeleteThe very wise and elderly Uchendu challenges Okonkwo with a question that asks why many children are named Nneka- "Mother is Supreme." He asks this, because he wants Okonkwo to ponder and understand how hard he has been to his children. Although Okonkwo is too strict with his children, he is not the only father to be over-the-top disciplinary.
ReplyDeleteUchendu knows that "...when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut." (134) That is his reply to his own question (for Okonkwo did not know the answer.) That is exactly why most children are named Nneka... because their mother is the supreme comforter, sympathizer, s"mother"er, and most importantly, the supreme friend. Yes, it is good for a child to have someone to push them to do hard and difficult things, but EVERYONE needs someone to tenderly love them.
Uchendu wants Okonkwo to lighten up on his children. To enjoy the time he has with them... because you are only young once. He wants him to try to not dwell on the failures and sorrows in his life, because many others have had much worse in their lives, but have still moved on, and try to make the best of everything.
I know that this is "the moment" of the book that really makes the reader think about how they have had heartaches... and maybe helps them think of trying to be "the mother" and comforter for others, instead of almost killing themselves because of the depression. The best medicine for suffering and sadness, is helping and serving others. I think that Uchendu really wants to drill that theory into Okonkwo's brain, and make him realize the real importance of life.
Uchendu answers by telling Okonkwo that a child does belong to the father but when the father beats the child, the child seeks sympathy in the mothers hut. He also says when life is good and sweet a man will belong to his fatherland but when there is sorrow and bitterness he will find refuge in his motherland. " Your mother is there to protect you.... That is why we say mother is supreme (62%)." Uchendu was trying to tell Okonkwo how crucial a mothers role is and what a big part she has in the upbringing of her child. This is a lot like Okonkwo's life because before he had to leave Umuofia life was all "good and sweet" and then when things got bad Okonkwo in a sense was "seeking sympathy in his mothers hut (62%). I think Uchendu then gets upset with Okonkwo for the way he has been living because he then asks him, " Is it right that you, Okonkwo, should bring to your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted?"(62%) He then warns him to be careful or you may displease the dead. He than guides Okonkwo by telling him it is his duty to protect and comfort his family now and when his seven years are up take his family back to his fatherland. The speech was so important at that point in the story because that is what Okonkwo needed to hear. That speech could definitely change Okonkwo's views. Uchendu knows Okonkwo is upset and stressed and tells Okonkwo he is not the only one suffering and that comparedto his life Okonkwo has it easy. He tells him that if he lets sorrow weigh him down and kill him that his whole family will die in exile. I think that struck a chord with Okonkwo and he realized he needed to suck it up get through these trials for him and his family. I believe that speech may have saved Okonkwo's family. If that speech had not been given Okonkwo may have lead on with his depressed and self pitying ways and led his family to not so happy times. I also think that song Uchendu told Okonkwo was for him to think about and I think he told it to Okonkwo to look at his own decisions and ask himself " For whom it is well, for whom it is well?" , and then come up with the conclusion that " There is no one for whom it is well."
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question by saying that "a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut." "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." Uchendu says that your mother will always be there to protect you and lift you up when you are sad. Earlier at Ezeudu's funeral Okonkwo had accidentally killed a sixteen-year-old boy. He was then exiled to his motherland for 7 years. Before the incident Okonkwo had been happy in his fatherland. But after the incident he was sent to his motherland. Uchendu said that Okonkwo shouldn't come to his motherland with a heavy face and refuse to be comforted. Okonkwo should come with the knowledge that in the end it will all be better. Ukonkwo's speech was important because it was exactly was was happening in Okonkwo's life at the time.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answered his question by stating "a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks refuge in its mother's hut." (134) He also says that "your mother is there to protect you…that is why we say mother reigns supreme." (134) this answer relates to Okonkwo because in chapter 13, he had to flee from his home for seven years for accidentally killing a fellow clansman. Uchendu said that " a man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." (134) Uchendu's speech was significant at that point in the story because it was what Okonkwo needed to hear.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question of "why is it that the most common name we give our children Nneka, or "Mother is Supreme"?" by telling Okonkwo that the mother is where the children go to for compassion after being beaten by their father. He relates this to Okonkwo, because after being shunned by his village he came to his motherland for help. ( 133-134). This helps him to be humbled and realize for the first time in his life that he has to accept help and to change his mind setting. At this time he is very confused, everything he has ever known suddenly changed. His farm and titles are gone and everything that he worked so hard for is gone.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for the late response, I was at scout camp and then haven't been home.
Uchendu answered his own question by stating that the father owns but the mother protects the child. Okonkwo lives in a very extreme way in his fatherland. In his fatherland people judge him and he wants to look strong. It is the opposite in his motherland and the want him to know they are there to help and support. It isn’t often realized because the people in Okonkwo’s motherland also didn’t know this themselves but they do support rather than hinder. To prove they didn’t know it says “’What about you? Can you answer my question?’ They all shook their heads.”(134) The is super important in the story because Okonkwo is very sad to be in his mother land but is trying to cope with his disappointment these statements are suppose to make him not feel bad about living there.
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ReplyDeleteReading about the spirits in Things Fall Apart gives me mixed emotions. I do not believe that somebody could be one kind of person by day, and a completely different person by night. Chielo was an outstanding example. I believe that if she was not fond of Ezinma she could have done some brutal and terrible things to her when she took her away for the night.
The people in the Ibo culture have never questioned the ways of their culture. The spirits are very worshipped, and to the people, their motives are always right. The egwugwu are the only ones capable of completely changing somebody’s life. After Okonkwo’s mishap with Ezeudu’s son, “the only course open to Okonkwo was to flee from the clan.” (124) Again, no questions are asked, as this is the only honorable thing to do.
Fleeing to his mother’s home land, Okonkwo has feelings of embarrassment. Nobody should feel pride in running to their mother crying and looking for her comfort. Okonkwo feels he must always have a strong demeanor about him, even if that is not what he is feeling on the inside. Even if he does not admit it, he feels that if he is not the best, he is not worth anything. A mother is not afraid to be on the same level as her child. Being able to comfort them is one of things she enjoys most about herself. A father, even though he was once a child, does not form that special kind of bond a mother feels and has.
Mothers are known for their uncanny ability to help anybody through difficult and trying times in their lives, no matter who that person is. Although the father is the head of the household, Nneka is one of the most common names. After hearing Uchendu give his reasons for why this is, Okonkwo begins to understand also. A mother is one of the most important people in everybody’s life. Being able to have the characteristics that a mother has is an amazing opportunity. People name their children Nneka because they want that child to gain the same qualities found in a mother; the ability to sympathize, cope, relate to, etc. They are hard qualities to find, but a mother always has a bit of each.
Okonkwo realizes what amazing women he has/had in his life. He has never thought that his wives’ ability to get down on one of their children’s levels, was a form of strength. He always believed it showed some sign of weakness. He begins to realize though, that their ability to do that takes a different kind of strength than can ever be found in a father.
Reading "Things Fall Apart" has definitely toiled with my emotions. I feel a change in how I felt in the beginning to now.
ReplyDeleteChapter 8-- The passing of Ikefumna has played a toll on Okonkwo. He did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna. He drank palm wine from morning till night and his eyes were red and fierce like the eyes of a rat when it was caught by the tail. Which bugged me because he was the one who plotted against Ikemefuna in the first place! He called for his son, Nwoye, to sit with him in his obi. But the boy was afraid of him and slipped out of the hut as soon as he noticed him dozing. He did not sleep at night which also upset me again maybe it was the guilt of what had happened or the grievance of one of his well-known friend. Chapter 10 then reads.. Large crowds began to gather on the village ilo as soon as the edge had worn off the sun's heat and no longer painful on the body. There was a ceremony that took place concerning most men and Uzowulu. Chapter 11 there was a saying in there which confused me but interested me at the same time.. it was "Tortoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all birds agreed that he was a changed man, and they each gave him a feather, with which he mad two wings." I thought of this as a token of the tortoise wanting forgiveness from his fellow peers, which then he received and made the best out of it. Chapter 12, On the following morning the entire neighborhood wore a festive air because Okonkwos friend, Obierika, was celebrating his daughter's uri. Using context clues I am guessing it is a ceremony where the daughter is given away to freedom, which was interesting to learn about in this chapter. I really liked this poem that was said at the end of Chapter 12 which is,
""If I hold her hand
She says "Don't touch!"
If I hold her foot
She says "Don't touch!"
But when I her waist-beads
She pretends not to know.""
Which meant to me that the women had higher standards that she was raised with and lives by the man on the other hand was more of a low-key not so high type.
Part Two Chapter 14 struck me very interestingly because it was almost like Okonkwo had left behind his hardships and started over as it reads.... "... his family tried to make a new farm which was harder then they thought." Which meant to me like you cannot run away from all the problems, because there is problems everywhere. Reading on in Chapter 14 they say that "... people are changed to left-handed in the older years." which confused me because you can't change your genes in the future or can you?
He explains his own question by stating, "but when a fathe beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mothers hut." He asks that question to show that he is being to cruel to his children. Plus that he has been hard on the people around him from how he acts. Plus that his motherland is the to help and support him not to challenge him like his father land does. That means he needs to let them comfort him not refuse the comforting him.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question by stating, "When a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mothers's hut"(134). Uchendu explains this to Okonkwo because after killing a fellow clansman and being exiled from his fatherland, he fled to his motherland so he could find comfort and support for himself. Before the incident, Okonkwo was happy in his fatherland, but after being exiled he went to his motherland with a heavy face and refusing to be let comforted by his kinsmen. Uchendu was trying to explain to Okonkwo that he should come with knowledge so in the end he can learn from this experience and go back wiser. Uchendu's speech was exactly what Okonkwo was needing to be told and taught because he was going through a hard time.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo was punished by being banished by his clan into his mother’s homeland. Okonkwo is in his mother’s land for seven years for banishment. Okonkwo is going through a time of hardship and his brother in law says. “‘I had six wives once. I have none now except that young girl who knows not her right from her left. Do you know how many children I have buried--children I begot in my youth and strenghth Twenty=two.’” (135) Uchendu has been through many hardships and has not killed himself and is still living. He did not sorrow but moved on in life. ‘“I did not hang myself, and I am still alive.’” (135) Now Okonkwo is in his mother’s land. He has to come and live in his mother’s land for a few years and is in sorrow. “‘A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you.’” (134) THis relates to Okonkwo’s life at this time because he is now in his mother’s homeland and has a heavy heart and is full of grief.
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ReplyDeleteUchendo answered his own question by explaining to Okonkwo that other people have been through worse hardships than he has. Including Uchndu himself, he used to have six wives and now only has on who knows not her right from left and he has buried twenty two of his children. His lesson to be learned is that Okonkwo should let people comfort him and give him knowledge. That way when he goes back to his fatherland he will be arriving with more knowledge than he left with.
ReplyDeleteUchendo answered his question while explaining to Okonkwo that other people have been through worse challenges than he has. Okankwo was punished by being banished from the village. Okonkwo wand talking to Uchndu and was pretty much told to stop complaining because other have been threw LOTS worse.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question by explaining to Okonkwo why he had come back to his motherland. Uchendu states " A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland." Okonkwo's punishment was being banned from the village.. when him and Uchndu were talking, Uchndu was getting tired of Okonkwo's constant complaining thinking that hes been through everything terrible that's possible, which isnt the case. Because as Uchndu says, others have been through a lot worse.
ReplyDeleteWhen Uchendu asked Onkonkwo why they say mother supreme he didn't know. But they say it because a mother is always there to comfort her children while a father isn't. "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland "(117). It relates to Onkonkwo because when he got exiled he went to his motherland for 7 years.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question by saying,"When a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mothers's hut"(134) this relates to okonkwo and the way he lived his life because okonkwo was exiled and he went back to his mother land.
ReplyDelete("It's true that child belongs to it's father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in it's mother's hut." pg. 134). This is what answer's Uchendu's question he explains that when the child is scared it goes to it's mother not it's dad but it's mother. This relates to Okonkwo's life by showing him that when he would beat his kids and treat them poorly they would retreat to there mom. Why this speech is so significant at this point because it shows Okonkwo the error of his ways and why he is at his mothers home land.
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