Journal_2-TFA-HSP


 * Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection**

Through chapters 3~6, the book informs us with Nigeria's own traditions. While the traditions might sound brand new, some of the customs that they have are very similar. This might have been noticeable for many korean kids: about Okonkwo beating his wife. To some foreigners, this would have seemed wrong, but for Koreans, it was not as surprising. Since Korean men/fathers tend to hit their children, they are used to it. Our Korean men/fathers hit their kids, or even others that are younger than them to teach them a lesson. This way, they express their "love" and show that they want those young people to succeed later in life by learning these life lessons earlier. Hitting a wife might not be common, however, the custom of hitting in both countries express their love and how much they care about each other. Also, the wrestling match was mentioned in the first chapter and the sixth. This is one of their traditional sports, and in Korea, we have a similar sport which is called "ceereum씨름" (this might not be spelled right). These sports are very similar to each other because it is usually played by men, and the two players have to knock each other over in order to win. While I was reading, the wrestling match reminded me of 씨름 because 씨름 takes place a lot in small villages or towns in Korea also. Some holidays such as "week of peace" is not common for the other countries. By such holidays, I was able to realize that they have special and unique holidays that others do not have. For Korea, we also have our own holidays that no other countries have such as chuseok, samil, etc. And so, just by reading chapter three to six, I was able to conclude that Okonkwo's village and Korea have a lot in common. :)


 * Paragraph regrading an Ibo cultural tradition mentioned in Ch.3~6**

As I mentioned in the connection paragraph, there were many traditions that were shown in chapters three to six. First, the Week of Peace. This was the time when Okonkwo could not stand his anger and beated his wife up. As I said, the Week of Peace is definitely not a common holiday for most of the people. Also, a holiday called the Feast of the New Yams is mentioned. Many countries do not have a holiday for its productive food in their region. Not only holidays, by looking how many wives that Okonkwo has, it can be seen that they have a different culture. I mean, some countries do have a right to have more than one wife, but this is not the same for all countries and it has been banned in some countries.

The unique beliefs that they had were brand new to me (and probably other readers). For example, it was interesting how they had the evil forest. Most of the time, a specific region is not clarified to be evil or bad. However, for Okonkwo's village, it was common for the people to bury the people who have died in a bad way into the forest. They had their own religion that others would not be able to understand. It was surprising how Chielo, the Oracle of the Hills and Caves came to visit Ezinma. This visit would not only have happened to Ezinma but the people that live in the town.

These were all the brand new, and unique traditions and culture in Okonkwo's village throughout chapters three to six. :)


 * A Question in relation to either paragraph one or two**

Until this point, it seems like the Ibo cultural tradition is very "strong" and loved by all the people who are living in the village. And, the story seems to be described in a very peaceful, warm way. However, why would this title be called "Things Fall Apart" if their bond between the village is so strong and their patriotism is shown the whole time? Would something happen inside/outside of their village? Or, would an obstacle appear that would destroy all their cultural traditions?