TFAJournal+Nicole

1. Read Chapters 3-6 2. Do journal entry related to chapters 3-6 including these three things: a.. Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection b.. Paragraph regarding an Ibo cultural tradition mentioned in Ch. 3-6 c. A question in relation to either paragraph one or two

As I read the following chapters last night, I not only found many things in common with myself, but also some previously mentioned quotes on the text of the novel. For instance, I was quite amused with the cultural tradiiton of Ibo that differed from the contemporary customs we have today. Most people in Ibo, regardless of class, are dependent on the agriculture of yams, or the "manly crop" given that name since it was harder to farm and grow. Today, due to many crops trade including the Columbian Exchange, we are able to consume a wide variety of food unlike the society of Ibo who are restricted to yams. The society also places a great emphasis on its religion. Like Unoka, Okonkwo's father, people visit the Oracle of the Cave and have the Week of Peace, considering religion as not just a belief or faith, but "actions" that could take place such as rituals. Another component of this society is patriarchy. All households are centered around men, like Okonkwo who has multiple wives. Men holds much authority, even violence. For instance, Okonkwo has beaten up his youngest wife for leaving the household during dinner.

Questions Why was Okonko so belligerent to his youngest life who briefly left the dinner table?

1. Read Chapters 7-8 2. Do journal entry related to chapters 7-8 including these three things: a) Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection b) Do a close reading of one paragraph coming from any of the chapters we've read somehow; post that somehow (diigo, scanned image, voice thread, or other option) c) An interpretive or evaluative question stemming from the first paragraph of your journal or your close reading activity.

As I read chapters 7 and 8, I have had an even greater culture shock towards the society of Ibo compared to the society we have today. First, as I have mentioned on my previous journal, Ibo is a very patriarchal society not only the families are based on males, but for instance, when Nwoye joins Okonkwo's conversation, they are even snotty towards women. Women are very disrespected, much that Okonkwo wants Ezinma (who is favored) to be a boy. Looking at how men had to be "men" and women had to be "women" in the society, it's extremely different from most of the western society which possesses a large number of homosexual men and women.

Their diet also sparked my cultural interests. They were delightful at the arrival of locusts (grasshoppers) and enjoyed eating them, which is a less commonly practiced tradition in the modern society. I also thought Umofia was very dependent on the oracles, like many other ancient societies of China, India, and Greece.

In the following chapters, Okonkwo seemed too concerned about showing weaknesses, trying hard to look brave, which results in the death of Ikemefuna. Though he may look brutal or strong externally, he is probably a man with a kind heart, showing weakness since his killing of Ikemefuna, his beloved adopted son.

Questions: What would be the significance of Amadi, the man with a white skin, in the future?

1. Read Chapters 9-11 2. Do journal entry related to chapters 9-1 including these three things: a) Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection b) An interpretive or evaluative question stemming from the first paragraph of your journal. c) Respond to someone else's question on his/her journal page. Then write a line on your own page saying, "I responded to ___'s question" so I will know where to find your response.

Chapters 9 to 11 have been full of surprises for me. It showed some aspects that are often seen in the contemporary society, or perhaps not even now. One included the trial of Uzowulu, the husband of Mgbafo who had beaten up his wife. Also Ezinma, the daughter of Ekwefi has called her mom by her first name, which would be less common in the contemporary society, especially those influenced by confucianism.

I also noticed some links between the characters. Ekwefi, one of Okonkwo's wives, is similar to Ikemefuna since he also tells interesting tales or stories to others.

My Question:

Answer to Minji's Question

What is the theme of the fable that Ekewfil told to her daughter in chapter 11?

1. Read through Ch 14 (pg 135) 2. Do journal entry related to chapters 12-14 including these things: a) Paragraph of Text-to-Text/Self/World Connection b) Predictions about what's to come in the remainder of the book. c) A question related to either of the previous two paragraphs in today's journal 3. Begin thinking about traditions and a possible person (15+ years older than your parents if possible) whom you would like to interview for the project that is coming up.

The extravagance of funeral of Ezeudu, a powerful man of the clan, reminded me of some of the present day of some eminent celebrities, such as the funeral of Kim Dae Jung, a previous noble peace prize winning Korean president. At his funeral last year, it shared some of the commonalities with those of Ezeudo, such as the drumming and the firing of guns.

Chapters 12 and 14 have been informative on some in-depth cultural traditions of Igbo. One of them included the interesting marriage of Uri, Oberika's daughter. Some aspects of the feast included a goat as a gift, wine, and a variety of different food. After the announcement of Ezeudu's death, ekwe, a musical instrument is played.