James+Ch.+9-11

__**Ch. 9-11:**__ In Ch. 9 through 11, we are introduced to unique and interesting aspects of the Ibo culture. In Chapter 9, we are told the history of Ezinma's life as a ogbanje and the torment Ekwefi suffered through. The introduction of ogbanje, an evil baby which comes back to mother's womb after its death, was somewhat surprising but related to many beliefs of Korean cultures. In traditional folktales, there are many stories about a boy who died and returned to his mother's womb again just like the ogbanje of the Ibo culture. In addition, in Ch. 10, the spirits of ancient fathers, egwugwu, appear from underground to settle different disputes among people. The process of the arbitration was very similar to the traditional trial of Korea. Long time ago in Korea, there were high officials known as the sa-ddos, who used to rule a village or a town. Often, they settled arguments and disputes of the villages and gave wise decisions and orders. The two opposing sides will meet in the center of the village, where the sa-ddo ruled, and the place would teem with people trying to see the trial. There, sa-ddo gave his wise orders and the two opposing sides would have to follow them. Although the two different cultures are very different, there are much similarities in their traditional judicial system as they were believed to be the most efficient and the wisest. Lastly in Ch. 11, Ezinma is taken away by Chielo, the priestess of Agabala, of an unknown reason. As she is taken away, Ekwefi run after them in order to assure herself that Ezinma is safe where we can clearly feel Ekwefi's love for Ezinma. This passion and love of Ekwefi, running after her daughter in the darkness where the evil lurks around, was like the love of every mother in the world, unafraid to protect her children or even die for her. Moreover, an interesting part of the Ch. 11 was when Okonkwo came to the cave as Ekwefi waited for Ezinma. Although Okonkwo is stern, hard and not affectionate in many aspects, his actions showed his love and affection towards not only his daughter but also Ekwefi just like many fathers in the world. How can Ekwefi love Ezinma so much after all the sadness and grief Ezinma caused as an ogbanje? How can a woman to love her children even after they have caused her so much pain and suffering? Is it normal? What are the feelings of Okonkwo about Ezinma and her being as an ogbanje?
 * a) Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection:**
 * b) An interpretive or evaluative question stemming from the first paragraph of your journal:**
 * c) I responded to __Ryan Tae__'s question.

b) Answer to Interpretive/Evaluative Question:**

Ekwefi, along with all the mothers in this human world, can still love their children no matter what, despite any pain and suffering they have caused their mother. Mothers seem to have this immediate love for their children even once their babies are out and alive, and yes it is very normal indeed. With Ekwefi it seems the same, only that she cherishes Ezinma and doesn't want her to die, so she does whatever she can to keep her alive because she doesn't want another child of hers to slip away from her once again. She doesn't want to go through her whole life childless and stand watching other mothers with their children growing up together and having the time of her lives, while she sits and ages all "alone". Okonkwo doesn't seem to have any feelings towards Ezinma's being an ogbanje. He loves her and thinks she is a promising daughter, only he wishes she were born a son instead, for she could have done much more as a boy and he would finally have an offspring that resembles him greatly and is capable of doing a lot, like he can.

- Erika Flores


 * b) Answer to Interpretive/Evaluative Question:**

All mothers including Ekwefi wouldn't hate their child because they went through a hard and sad time. All mothers will do anything for their own children; which shows us that their love for their children was extremely strong. No matter what Enzinma has been through it is sure that Ekwefi will not hate her. In Ekwefi and Ezinma's case it is more certain that Ekwefi will not hate her. She will probably be delighted that Ezinma was able to live, going through all the painful times because she was the only child left for Ekwefi. It is of course normal that a mother loves their child even if their children had obanje in them. As we can see in chapter eleven when Okankwo and Ekwefi followed Chielo to the caves even when Chielo told them not to, we can see that they loved Enzinma so much that they can even go against God. Also, Ekwefi said that if she heard Ezinma crying she would go in the caves even if she had to fight the God; which we can figure out that the love for Ezinma was extremely strong that nothing can break it.

-Ryan Tae


 * b) Answer to Interpretive/Evaluative Question:**

First to answer off, Ezinma is Ekwefi's only hope, only son/daughter left, and only "right-spirited" girl. Even though she was an "ogbanje," Ekwefi can't just give up. When a parent's son/daughter is a mischievous or goes to a wrong path, the parents usually tries to fix them, never giving up the hope that they will become successful in the future. Ekwefi is Ezinma's mother and she has the responsibility to raise Ezinma to be as successful as she could be. It is normal that a mother has a protective and love feeling toward her daughter as they share same blood. It is animal's instinct to protect its offspring and its human instinct to protect and show love towards his/her daughter/son. Okonkwo also protects and shows warmth towards Ezinma. He often refers her as the "right-spirited" daughter. Okonkwo also follows them with his machete to ensure that everything is safe and to cure his daughter. He collects the medicine for Ezinma and we could see from this his will to protect her and care for her. Thinking about Ekwefi, as she ran away from her husband just for Okonkwo, he also had to help her. Okonkwo and Ekwefi both have similar feelings toward Ezinma, a feeling of love and warmth.

-Ian Chang

Brendan Ryu Every mom loves their children no matter what kind of condition they are in. Therefore, it is obvious that Ekefi and Okwonko loved Ezinma since Ezinma was their only hope as a child. Due to the ogbanje, Ekwefi didn't hate Ezinma, but love and care more for Ezinma. In addition, Okwonko would have no reason to hate Ekwefi, because the ogbanje is not Ekwfi's fault but just fate. In summary, Ekwefi and Okwonko loves and cares for Ezinma and Okwonko does not hate Ekwefi for bringing death to many children
 * b) Answer to Interpretive/Evaluative Question:**