Thursday, January 24, 2008
Things Fall Apart: Chapter 5
When the chapter begins, it seems evident that though Okonkwo shows great control over his family, he seems to have their respect more than their love. He severely beats his wife once again for something she did not even do. Then, he almost shoots her. I'm starting to get the impression that he feels everyone will abandon him if he gives them the chance. He won't go soft, because he think it leads to failure in everything. However, the Feast of the New Yams is occuring, and like most holidays this seems to help the family situation. Everyone is looking forward to the annual fights, which are soon going to occur. One thing Okonkwo and his family have in common is their love of wrestling. It seems to be the only thing that will soften Okonkwo up in regards to his family. While discussing wrestling, he even jokes around with his daughters somewhat. However, I can't see how he can be on a path to happiness in the end if he keeps up this streak of bad behavior towards his family. Possessions are nice, but in the end they won't make him happy.
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4 comments:
Yeah i think it's crap that he can get away with beating his wives all the time. He has so much power over them that they can't really do anything about it. Which stinks.
I think bossing around his family shows just how little power Okonkwo really has. He fears losing control over many things, but always asserts control over his family by beating his wives, talking down to his sons, and being mean. (ala the shooting incident)
Mr. Farrell
I agree, they(possessions) won't make him happy in the end. Mostly because he is so obsessed with himself. I still think eventually he will hit the bottom of the totem pole, he is going to do something extreme and it will knock him down in his society.
He totally and completely controls his family all of the time. I think it's crazy. He is to controlling for my liking.
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