Journal+Entry+4 +JK

A) On page 76 and 77, it was talking about how Ezinma is the “center of her mother’s world” and the naming ceremony. I could relate these to Korean culture. Ekwefi had ten children and all of them died except for Ezinma. She was only child survived from the variety of illnesses, so Ekwefi depended on her, and often they were friends rather than mother and daughter. For example, Ezinma called Ekwefi by her name and decided which food she should prepare. This is very different from Korean culture because we consider manner and courtesy to the adults as the most important thing that younger people learn no matter what. Therefore, Ezinma being equal with her mother is what we can never see in our culture. Another one is naming a newborn child. Ekwefi named her children by relating them to death. For example, she named them Onwumbiko, Onwuma, and Ozoemena meaning “Death, I implore you”, “May it not happen again”, “Death may please himself. This was similar to our naming children because we also name children by implying the meaning behind the name.

B) Ekwefi and Okonkwo defied Agbala, Oracle of Hills and Caves, by following Chielo and trying to fight against a god. Why did Ekwefi cherish Ezinma exceptionally, and what consequences would they receive by defying a god?

C) Respond to Yunji: Do you think Okonkwo still cares about Ikemefuna's death and author will be mention it again in the story?

I don't think Okonkwo cares about Ikemefuna's death anymore. After killing his temporary son, he was depressed for a few days, but as usual, he got back to his work. In chapter 9, Okonkwo cares a lot about Ezinma, his favorite child, when she was dying. I can also infer this from his personality from the beginning of the story. Even though he still sympathize Ikemefuna, he will keep trying to forget because he had to act strong and manly. The author wouldn't mention Ikemefuna again in the story because the author already used him to show how a guy from different town or tribe would adapt to new environment that has different culture.