Chapter+3+-+6

I have enjoyed reading the 4 chapters of "Things Fall Apart" during the last night's reading. The first connection that I have made was that, "if you work hard for something with your full will power, there will be success at the end." Okonkwo was a man who had no inherited item from his weak and feminine father, unlike many other young African men. He might have been swayed by his father to another weak life; however, he have realized the fallacy of his father's life and started his own life of consistency, hardworking, and manly life. Okonkwo, even though he have failed during his first couple harvesting, he have managed to make himself a rich man by working hard and consistently with his full will power. I have connected this to myself; when I practiced hard and hard to ride my bicycle (I know it is a lame example,) I was able to ride it as smooth as a snake! This idea also connects to the world, when the American colonists have worked hard to get their revolution from the British government; they reached their goal by the end. This strong determination of Okonkwo reminded me to work hard.

Ibo culture is shown through out the 4 chapters of reading. The author uses these information to show the diversity of Ibo culture and its richness. Various forms of Ibo culture is shown; for example, Ibo's religion, tradition, and vocabulary is present. Religion is a large part of Ibo people's life. For instance, when Okonkwo's father, Unoka was dead, his body couldn't be buried, as it will anger the Earth goddess. This religious tradition shows the link between economic values relied on the fertility deity. Religion is connected to every part of their life. Traditions like "The Week of Peace" is introduced in chapter 4. It is a period when violence is prohibited; it is also when Okonkwo have beaten his wife, Ojiugo. For that violation, he had to sacrifice his goat and his yam. The feast of New Yam also gets held to wish for their best outcome in the harvest. Lastly, new african jargons are introduced; for example, words like "Obi," "Ilo," and "Nso-ani" are introduced. These vocabulary, not only educates us, but also entertains us.

After reading the 4 chapters, I have also have had some questions relating to the reading. These questions make me curious and can't make me sleep! I must need the answers to the questions. First, what kind of feeling will Okonkwo feel towards Maduka, the winner of the wrestling match? Second, when these African natives have lived for a long time, why didn't they have a sophisticated learning that could stop the traditions regarding economic surplus? Third, what will happen to the "brotherhood" between Ikemefuna and Nwoye? It is quite weird how the two wives corporate to protect themselves when Ojiugo have been caught running away from the hut; how did this altruistic tradition appear, unlike many greedy Korean and Western society?

1269948134 Interesting questions, Ian. I hadn't thought about how Okonkwo would feel when someone else wins the wrestling match. Would be be jealous? Long for the days when he was young again? Be proud of how the tradition is being carried forward? Perhaps as we get to know Okonkwo's character further in the story we'll be able to better conjecture an answer.