Journal_3-TFA-HSP


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

For chapters seven to eight, there were some unfortunate stories that have happened such as Ikemefuna's death. When I read about Ikemefuna's death, I felt pity for him, but also was shocked. In a way, I was mad at Okonkwo of how he killed his "son" just because he did not want to show his weakness. Back to Ikemefuna's death, I was able to connect to a similar type of story, which happens in ancient Greek myths. When we hear about ancient Greek myths, there are times when the Oracle of the town says to kill a child or any man for their God. And without any disagreement, they follow what the Oracle says and kill him/her. In the real world today, we do not ever do these kind of traditions, or at least it is hidden somewhere. However, for both Greek myths and Ibo culture, they do not think killing an innocent child is not wrong. I hoped that their traditions have changed and they do not do these kinds of things anymore. In my personal opinion, I think this is very brutal. As I said, Ikemefuna and those other kids are very innocent, nice, and do not know much about the world. However, these Oracles are giving them bad effects to the children. Not only children, sometimes men and women are used as a gift to the gods. They have to die just for their gods, and no one else. And so, it does have some connection between the myths and Ibo culture. But personally, I think this is a tradition that should be banned. Also, I do not think protecting Ikemefuna rather than killing is not showing Okonkwo's weakness. It's just his own thoughts, but truthfully, protecting someone is not being a coward or a weak person. In conclusion, I was very disappointed about Okonkwo killing Ikemefuna while I was reading... :(


 * Close Reading**

__Page 56:__ "At first, a fairly small swarm came. They were the harbingers sent to survey the land. And then appeared on the horizon a slowly-moving mass like a boundless sheet of black cloud drifting towards Umuofia. Soon it covered half the sky, and the solid mass was now broken by tiny eyes of light like shining star dust. It was tremendous sight, full of power and beauty. (Diigo:Private)


 * Interpretive or Evaluative Question**

Should the Ibo people really follow their Ibo culture if they keep on killing the naive ones who have not done any crime?