TFAjournal+2

a.. Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection In chapters 3~6, I noticed that the Ibo tribe focuses mainly on religion which made me think about our world today. These days whenever they are curious of their future, people tend to visit the Oracle due to their curiosity and also rely on Gods. Like in the world today, the Ibo tribe also concentrates on oracle and prophecies. In chapter 3, it seems like the father consulted with Agbala, the oracle of hill and cave whenever there was failure in life. He went to Agbala to see why his crops aren’t growing. However, it was for sure that it wasn’t the God’s will but it was due to his laziness. I also find it interesting that the strong belief of god made Ibo people to construct a place called the Evil forest where the sick people die painfully. Also in the book, the fact that the men were treated better than women seems a bit similar to our world today. Sometimes, there are some conservative thinkers who believe men are much superior.

b.. Paragraph regarding an Ibo cultural tradition mentioned in Ch. 3-6 Like Korean’s ancient culture, I could tell that Ibo has similar cultural beliefs as well. One of the major similarity was that the ancient people thought men were much superior than women. That belief was directly shown in the part where Okonkwo consecutively beats his wife when they do not satisfy him. For example, during the Week of Peace, Ojiugo was beaten by her husband because she went outside without setting his breakfast. Another similarity I noticed was the strong belief of religion. Ancient Koreans also believed in certain gods such as the Buddhist or Christianity. Like in Korea’s ancient culture, the Ibo tribe seems to believe strongly in Agbala, Ani, and other god. I believe our culture did not believe in God as strictly as the Ibo tribe; however in chapter 3 it shows Ibo tribe takes religious beliefs seriously because people tend to visit the Oracle and sacrifice something for God. Ibo tribe also seems to celebrate a day for people to get together. I think this is similar to what we did during the past and also during the present days.

c. A question in relation to either paragraph one or two As I read the chapters and wrote these short paragraphs, I came along with few questions. In the book, the author emphasizes the power of men by describing men taking strict control over woman, beating women, and marrying more than one wife. Were there any laws or rules that protected woman rights at all? If there weren’t any rules or laws for women, then how come Okonkwo did not get any harsh punishment during the week of peace? When he beat up his wife during that time, then weren’t he supposed to get harsher punishments? I feel very sympatric toward the woman in Ibo tribe since men had much more freedom.