chapter+9-11+JH

1. Text to text/self/world Chapter 9 and 11 focused mainly on Ekwefi and Ezinma and chapter 10 was mostly on getting more ideas about the spiritual and religious culture of the people such as Evil Forest. These chapters made me think of many different things and realize interesting facts. First, how Okonkwo cared inwardly for Ekwefi and Ezinma was very eye-opening. From the beginning, I had the idea of Okonkwo being a ruthless man stuck in my mind. However in these chapters, he takes care of Ekwefi when she fell very ill and when she had been taken to the cave with Chielo, the priestess, and Ekwefi had tracked them down, he followed them and when Ekwefi awaits Ezinma outside the cave, he offers to stay there all night, waiting for Ezinma. This showed that OKonkwo had a warm heart inside of him, but he hid it due to the fear of weakness. This also reminded me of typical Korean fathers' love towards the family. Most fathers of Korea are known to be quite emotionless and strict. However, behind that cold face, lays love and care for their family. Fathers work to make their family happy where it is not visible. In this way, Okonkwo's way of showing affection was quite heart-warming.

2. When Ezinma had been taking by the priestess, Ekwefi follows them even though it is very dangerous. It even says : 'she even swore within her that if she heard Ezinma cry she would rush into the cave to defend her against all the Gods in the world'. Do you think this is a wise choice? Would it be wise to defend Ezinma even if it meant she would be going against the Gods?

To answer your question, I think this can be viewed in different perspectives. First of all, the majority (which will be the clan's view) will say that Ekwefi made a wrong choice since she is going against the gods. They consider the gods as the most important factor of life. They think they should ALWAYS follow the gods' order, and respect them the whole time. And so, if Ekwefi got caught by Chielo, she would have been punished by Chielo, the gods, and ALSO the whole clan. (HSP)

However, Ezinma was a very special daughter for Ekwefi; and so, there was no consideration of protecting her. By a mother's point of view, it would definitely have been a wise choice since it expresses how much Ekwefi loves Ezinma and that she could even trade her life (dying) to Ezinma's life. This action showed that she was very brave, protective, and doing well as a mother. (HSP)

I personally think that it would be wise for her for Ekwefi to defend Ezinma. She was the only daughter that has survived out of all the babies; and so, Ezinma was very special. All mothers would do any kind of action in order to protect their children. Also, think about it. If Ekwefi did not care about Ezinma and just left her with the Chielo, wouldn't that sound like Ekwefi is very careless? It would also give a bad reputation of women to the readers. In conclusion, even though she was strongly going against the gods, I think she made a wise choice. :) (Answered by Hyun Sun Park)

3. I responded to __**Erika**__'s question (: