Chapter+9-11+RT+9E

Reading the chapters nine through eleven I realized that there was many spiritual ideas brought up. Chielo who is a priestess, comes out in chapter eleven to take away the "//ogbanje"// child, named Ezinma. While I was reading I noticed that the people in Umuofia strongly believed in spirits. For example, when Chielo asked Okonkwo if he was going to go against the God he wasn't able to refuse even if one of his child was going to be taken. A priestess is call on whenever there is an epidemic, drought, or other ominous events. By knowing that a priestess was taking Ezinma it was for a bad reason. In Korea, there are also priestess which are called "//mu-dang"// in Korea. They were called to drive out and drive away bad spirits. The ceremony to draw out and drive away bad spirits in Korea is called //"good".// In the old days in Korea, not only Korea but all over the world spirits played a huge role in people’s lives as we can see throughout the book. How strong was the belief of spirits for the people in Umuofia? Was it able for the belief for priestess able to be broken? Umuofians' beliefs for the spirits are very faithful and amazing. They have celebrations for their goddess of the earth, Ani, and sacrifice their valuable goods for the gods and goddesses. Not only that, their lives seem to rotate around those spirits and gods especially during the harvest. Another important event showing their beliefs in spirits is when the whole village gathers to see the arbitration by the egwugwu, the spirits of ancient fathers. Although many women and children were scared of egwugwu and often flinched back in fear, they seemed to also show fascination and respect for the spirits. Not only that, the two opposing sides in the trial never questioned the decision of the egwugwu and showed their deepest respect and modesty in front of them. Moreover, the people of Umuofia believe firmly in the statements of the Oracle (even if it is to kill Ikemefuna). Never do they disobey or oppose their beliefs in the spirits. The second question is a little akward...But I guess the belief for the priestess can be broken. There are rules so that it can be broken! I believe the love and morality comes before beliefs in anything. How can you believe in a god or a priestess who tries to kill your beloved child? (Just an example) Of course, there will be consequences, very severe in fact, but those consequences and sufferings are nothing compared to the loss and the torment that Ekwefi would feel after she loses Ezinma. (I'm just saying) So I believe that the belief for priestess can be broken depending on the circumstances.
 * a) Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection**
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-James Kang :)

I responded to James's question.
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