I see a theme connection within the last three stories, but I am not sure if it fits with the first. In these stories, it tells of the relationship between parents and children. Within everyone of these relationships, it seems that the parents are trying to do what they think is best for their children, but in the children's eyes, it is not right. It just goes to show that it doesn't matter if you have regular American middle-class parents or parents who have immigrated here, everyone one of these relationships can be strained. Everyone has the same problems, parents too controlling or children being disrespectful. These are worldly problems that probably everyone will have to face at one point or another in his or her life. I guess this can be related to the first story as well. I think it relates because the mother was doing what she thought was best for her daughter, but it turned out to be for the worst.
Also, in three of the stories, there was a disappearance of some kind. I don't think that this is a theme. I think that this just depends on the situation. Each person went away for a specific reason. Sometimes it is just easier than dealing with whatever is actually going on, but it will leave the loved ones left behind missing you dearly. In "The Book of the Dead" and "Teenage Wasteland," the reader can see what an effect the disappearance has had on the loved ones. In "The Life You Save May Be Your Own," the reader has no idea what the mother feels. They let the reader decide. So I guess another theme could be that actions taken by one person effect those around that person.
Something else that has happened in each of the stories is that the main character had to do what he thought was best. In the first story, Mr. Shiftlet did just that. He conned the family out of almost everything, but that is what he had to do. In the second story, Waverly had to stand up to her mother. She needed her to know how she felt. In the third, the father kept his past a secret, which is what he thought was best. It turned out to be otherwise, but still that is what he did. In the last story, the son left. He felt that his life would be better without his parents, and he decided to live on his own. In each of these situations, the outcome was different, but these characters consistently did what they thought needed to be done. In most cases, it was selfish, but that is what they did. So I think that another theme could be the characters taking care of themselves first.
Monday, February 25, 2008
"Teenage Wasteland"
Of the four stories that we read, this one is definitely the most relatable. I can definitely identify with the son in one way or another. Sometimes people just do not understand other people. In this case, it almost seemed like the parents were pitying themselves so much that they couldn't relate at all to their child. I remember when the mother and father were in the office with the principal or someone and the mother was thinking about how they were being judged. She hated it and felt very pathetic. I don't think that with self esteem issues this large you can be supportiveto your children. It seemed to me that maybe the mother, father, or both had bad childhood lives. They both seemed so timid. They were always afraid to take charge of their son or even be honest with him. Even when they hired the tutor, it was almost as if they had given up on him.
I think that the son did have some issues, but not ones that couldn't be fixed. I think that most everyone goes through something to this effect, but not as extreme. It is hard to live life everyday feeling beneath everyone else and feeling that you are not good enough. I think that this boy had had this feeling for so long and wanted rid of it. When he started being tutored, his bad feelings started to go away. Now this seemed strange to me. I felt like something was going on at his tutoring. Maybe drugs or something. I just don't understand. The whole thing seemed like such a scam to me. I think that it was. Obviously when the parents found out that their son was doing worse in school than before, they may have realized something. I just think that the son felt at home with his tutor. He was someone that the son could trust and be honest with. He felt at home, but without the pressure of having to do well, he did worse.
I highly doubt that the beer was planted in this kid's locker. I mean with a record like that he must have done it. I mean he wasn't the smartest, and he would do anything to be included. It also said that he had been into that kind of stuff before, and I just loved the way that the tutor changed the whole thing around. He is just a young liberal wanting to fight the man. This is exactly why he didn't have much impact on his students. He was to busy making everything political and not providing structure for his students. I am surprised that the school did not make sure the son went home. I would think that the kid would have to stay there until he was picked up. They just let him leave. For a private school, that is not very good.
I really did feel bad about how the story ended. It didn't make much sense to me. This kid's home life didn't seem all that bad. He just had parents who wanted for their son a better life than they had, but they just didn't know how to give it to him. I feel like I missed some very important aspect of the story, but I guess not. This kid just wanted to make his own life and live it the way that he wished.
I think that the son did have some issues, but not ones that couldn't be fixed. I think that most everyone goes through something to this effect, but not as extreme. It is hard to live life everyday feeling beneath everyone else and feeling that you are not good enough. I think that this boy had had this feeling for so long and wanted rid of it. When he started being tutored, his bad feelings started to go away. Now this seemed strange to me. I felt like something was going on at his tutoring. Maybe drugs or something. I just don't understand. The whole thing seemed like such a scam to me. I think that it was. Obviously when the parents found out that their son was doing worse in school than before, they may have realized something. I just think that the son felt at home with his tutor. He was someone that the son could trust and be honest with. He felt at home, but without the pressure of having to do well, he did worse.
I highly doubt that the beer was planted in this kid's locker. I mean with a record like that he must have done it. I mean he wasn't the smartest, and he would do anything to be included. It also said that he had been into that kind of stuff before, and I just loved the way that the tutor changed the whole thing around. He is just a young liberal wanting to fight the man. This is exactly why he didn't have much impact on his students. He was to busy making everything political and not providing structure for his students. I am surprised that the school did not make sure the son went home. I would think that the kid would have to stay there until he was picked up. They just let him leave. For a private school, that is not very good.
I really did feel bad about how the story ended. It didn't make much sense to me. This kid's home life didn't seem all that bad. He just had parents who wanted for their son a better life than they had, but they just didn't know how to give it to him. I feel like I missed some very important aspect of the story, but I guess not. This kid just wanted to make his own life and live it the way that he wished.
"The Book of the Dead"
I liked the way that this story was told. The way that the author slowly presented the real story made you keep thinking. I really couldn't tell that this man was lieing at the beginning. I guess that he had been telling this story for so long it seemed to be true. I do think that he should have told the truth, but it would have been so hard. I would be so embarrassed, and I would feel so bad about myself. How could this man live with himself? That would be something so hard to get past.
This story is very similar to "Rules of the Game." The parents in both of the stories were immigrants and could not understand English life very well. I was wondering, did the father in this story ever vanish like this before? I assume so. I know that it was said that he had nightmares before, but I didn't know if this happened more often.
That situation would not be very appealing for the daughter. I know that she wanted to spend time with her father, but it would be like babysitting. It is like she is his parent, but when you love someone that much, it doesn't really matter.
I couldn't believe that the father had been one of those people. I wonder if he was ever going to tell his daughter, or if he only did because of the circumstances. I hope that he was planning on doing it either way, but I guess we will never know.
I really thought the way this story ended was perfect. The proverb, "Those who give the blows may try to forget, but those who carry the scars must remember," is very applicable here. The father is both of these people. He was given the blows, but received scars. Not only physically, but also emotionally. I imagine this could even cause more pain to him because he has to live with his poor judgment for the rest of his life.
This story is very similar to "Rules of the Game." The parents in both of the stories were immigrants and could not understand English life very well. I was wondering, did the father in this story ever vanish like this before? I assume so. I know that it was said that he had nightmares before, but I didn't know if this happened more often.
That situation would not be very appealing for the daughter. I know that she wanted to spend time with her father, but it would be like babysitting. It is like she is his parent, but when you love someone that much, it doesn't really matter.
I couldn't believe that the father had been one of those people. I wonder if he was ever going to tell his daughter, or if he only did because of the circumstances. I hope that he was planning on doing it either way, but I guess we will never know.
I really thought the way this story ended was perfect. The proverb, "Those who give the blows may try to forget, but those who carry the scars must remember," is very applicable here. The father is both of these people. He was given the blows, but received scars. Not only physically, but also emotionally. I imagine this could even cause more pain to him because he has to live with his poor judgment for the rest of his life.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Response to Others..
I read Alaina and Sam R.'s blogs, and they didn't really differ very much from one another. I think that most people were thrown off guard at the random way that the podcasts begun. I know that no one believes in this stuff, but it is fairly obvious that we all slightly enjoyed learning about this religion.
Compared to my blog, theirs were definitely different. I guess that I analyzed the black and white thing different than most people. Alaina and I both chose to use the same quote. I really just thought of it and then later read hers and thought that was pretty funny. The quote really does apply here.
I think that everybody that did this took basically the safe route. I can say for myself and probably a few others that this was over my head. I do not dispell that. Hinduism is just a very large and confusing religion. I guess it was good to learn a little about, but I am perfectly fine with me good old western way of thinking.
Compared to my blog, theirs were definitely different. I guess that I analyzed the black and white thing different than most people. Alaina and I both chose to use the same quote. I really just thought of it and then later read hers and thought that was pretty funny. The quote really does apply here.
I think that everybody that did this took basically the safe route. I can say for myself and probably a few others that this was over my head. I do not dispell that. Hinduism is just a very large and confusing religion. I guess it was good to learn a little about, but I am perfectly fine with me good old western way of thinking.
Mythology of Hinduism #2
So this guy just starts talking about black and white. First, I think racial. Then he starts to say that you never know if it is white on black or black on white. Somehow, I am sure this relates to Hinduism. I guess that because they believe God is in everyone and everything, that you can be mislead by him. You would never know where he is, but at the same time you would always know that he is everywhere. He also said that white is representative of God, and black is representative of the devil. Now, this would make a lot of sense relating to the black and white thing, but do Hindus believe in the devil? I know that we talked in class about them having three Gods, and one being the destroyer. Would he be their devil? If so, in relation to the black and white, you never know who is trying to control you or be around you. You don't know which was first. They are both very misleading.
I feel like I just rambled on, and I have no idea if any of that makes sense, but oh well.
I feel like I just rambled on, and I have no idea if any of that makes sense, but oh well.
Mythology of Hinduism #3
All I have to say is wow. I am not going to pretend that I know what this guy was talking about because, honestly, I have no clue. I am obviously not is college. When I listened to this, I felt like I was missing something. I know this was suppose to help me get background on the topic at hand, but it just confused me to the point of no return. I can try me opinion on this, but I am sorry to say that I am definitely not at this guy's level and cannot truly have an opinion on a topic so over my head.
Watts said that the western way of looking at the universe and the eastern way of looking vary like this. The west views the world as a construct, and the east views the world as a drama. The west knows that God created, which is where they get construct, but the east views it as more of a stage were God is the director of a huge play. This makes me want to quote Shakespeare's play As you like it, "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players." That is how I took what Watts said about the views of the world.
Watts said that the western way of looking at the universe and the eastern way of looking vary like this. The west views the world as a construct, and the east views the world as a drama. The west knows that God created, which is where they get construct, but the east views it as more of a stage were God is the director of a huge play. This makes me want to quote Shakespeare's play As you like it, "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players." That is how I took what Watts said about the views of the world.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
"Rules of the Game"
I thought that the section about torture was a little bit creepy, but I guess that it is really just being proud of Chinese culture. I can definitely tell that the family is an immigrant family. I think that the mother came to America and then had the daughter. It is obvious that the daughter understands much more English and American culture than her mother. Her mother seems to be very judgmental and slightly cynical, but once again it must be the culture. The Chinese seem to be very proud and discipline oriented. Since the daughter is Chinese American she is not as disciplined as her mother would want her to be.
What is "lavender toilet water"? When I read this, I got very confused. Is it just fragrant water? I thought that maybe it was seen by the Chinese as frivilous and that is why they referred to it as such.
The Chinese seem to also be very confident and proud. They do not want to show weakness. This is why the mother did not want her daughter to play chess. I think that this could have to wrong effect on the daughter. She may think that her mother has no faith is her and that her mother thinks that she cannot win. I guess that the daughter would probably understand because she knows about the culture, but I think it could be very damaging.
The mother just does not understand American life. If my mother were bragging about me, I would feel very embarrassed. The daughter did not choose to play because she wanted to become famous or win. She wanted to play because she loves the game, which is the perfect reason why. The mother is so proud that she is blind to this.
I thought that it was wrong that the mother no longer makes the daughter do dishes. I do not think that she should get special treatment. I know that she is very good, but it is just not right. How would that make her other children feel? I am actually surprised that her mother did give the daughter special treatment. It just does not sound like something the mother would do.
I like the way the story ended. It kept the reader guessing, and those are the kind of endings that I like. After thinking about the ending, I do not know where I would want to see this story end. I would want the daughter to win to prove something, but in the winning it would prove nothing at all. I don't want the mother to win because I think that she is wrong. Maybe just a good game with mother daughter bonding, and the win in favor of the daughter.
What is "lavender toilet water"? When I read this, I got very confused. Is it just fragrant water? I thought that maybe it was seen by the Chinese as frivilous and that is why they referred to it as such.
The Chinese seem to also be very confident and proud. They do not want to show weakness. This is why the mother did not want her daughter to play chess. I think that this could have to wrong effect on the daughter. She may think that her mother has no faith is her and that her mother thinks that she cannot win. I guess that the daughter would probably understand because she knows about the culture, but I think it could be very damaging.
The mother just does not understand American life. If my mother were bragging about me, I would feel very embarrassed. The daughter did not choose to play because she wanted to become famous or win. She wanted to play because she loves the game, which is the perfect reason why. The mother is so proud that she is blind to this.
I thought that it was wrong that the mother no longer makes the daughter do dishes. I do not think that she should get special treatment. I know that she is very good, but it is just not right. How would that make her other children feel? I am actually surprised that her mother did give the daughter special treatment. It just does not sound like something the mother would do.
I like the way the story ended. It kept the reader guessing, and those are the kind of endings that I like. After thinking about the ending, I do not know where I would want to see this story end. I would want the daughter to win to prove something, but in the winning it would prove nothing at all. I don't want the mother to win because I think that she is wrong. Maybe just a good game with mother daughter bonding, and the win in favor of the daughter.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
"The Life You Save May Be Your Own"
The introduction to this story sets a very intricate picture and helps to show the background of these characters. When Mr. Shiftlet comes to the house, I got quite confused. The story says that the old woman had never seen Mr. Shiftlet before. So I guess he just came there without warning? Maybe, he had a plan when he did go there. By the end of the story, you can see that he must have had an agenda.
There is some major forshadowing in this story. When Mr. Shiftlet is saying that the old woman does not know anything about him and that he could be a total liar, it is obvious that this is very relavent to the story. The car also seemed symbolic to me. It showed the life and character of the old woman and her daughter. Before it was fixed-up, it was representing the old woman. She is run down because of her time spent taking care of her daughter. It represents that her life fell apart. The man that is fixing the car can be viewed as fixing the lives of these people. When the car is fixed, it can represent the daughter, happily oblivious, but in the end when the man drives away with the car and without the daughter, it represents that the life of both characters had been taken away. I thought that the thunder was a good end to the story. It could possibly foreshadow the characters lives. They are destined to be filled with storms that they must weather.
Something that I just don't understand is why the old woman would want to marry her daughter off to a man that she really doesn't know anything about. Maybe she is just as selfish and cunning as he is. It could have been her plan all along to get rid of her daughter. The old woman could have been sick of taking care of her and saw this man as a way out. I really don't know if this is even relatively true, but it is a thought. The old woman could have truly wanted a good life for her daughter because thus far it hadn't been great. She really could have been just as nieve as her daughter.
I didn't really get why the part about the boy hitchhiker was in this. I guess that it just goes to show the lack of understanding between people. I guess this is kind of what this story is about. Everyone in this story overestimated the other characters. The old woman with the man, the man with the boy, and the daughter with them all. Some always like to see the good in people and if there isn't any to be seen, they decide to make some up.
There is some major forshadowing in this story. When Mr. Shiftlet is saying that the old woman does not know anything about him and that he could be a total liar, it is obvious that this is very relavent to the story. The car also seemed symbolic to me. It showed the life and character of the old woman and her daughter. Before it was fixed-up, it was representing the old woman. She is run down because of her time spent taking care of her daughter. It represents that her life fell apart. The man that is fixing the car can be viewed as fixing the lives of these people. When the car is fixed, it can represent the daughter, happily oblivious, but in the end when the man drives away with the car and without the daughter, it represents that the life of both characters had been taken away. I thought that the thunder was a good end to the story. It could possibly foreshadow the characters lives. They are destined to be filled with storms that they must weather.
Something that I just don't understand is why the old woman would want to marry her daughter off to a man that she really doesn't know anything about. Maybe she is just as selfish and cunning as he is. It could have been her plan all along to get rid of her daughter. The old woman could have been sick of taking care of her and saw this man as a way out. I really don't know if this is even relatively true, but it is a thought. The old woman could have truly wanted a good life for her daughter because thus far it hadn't been great. She really could have been just as nieve as her daughter.
I didn't really get why the part about the boy hitchhiker was in this. I guess that it just goes to show the lack of understanding between people. I guess this is kind of what this story is about. Everyone in this story overestimated the other characters. The old woman with the man, the man with the boy, and the daughter with them all. Some always like to see the good in people and if there isn't any to be seen, they decide to make some up.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Chapter 25
So the messengers come for Okonkwo. They were taken to him by his friends, and to everyone's surprise, he has hung himself. I was totally shocked at this. I remembered that in ancient Greece and Rome and other places that it is courageous to kill yourself, but then I read the next sentence and it said that it is totally against tribal customs. I think Okonkwo knew what his fate would be. He didn't want to run from it, but he didn't want the messengers to get the satisfaction of killing him so he did it himself. Obierika even says to the messengers that they made him do this, which is basically right. If he wouldn't have chopped off that guy's head he probably wouldn't have done it though. I don't know. I really didn't like Okonkwo, but it was a sad way for him to go.
Also at the end it said that this took place in Lower Niger.
I thought the ending was kind of weird with the way that Achebe said the messenger was going to write a story about this, and about how Okonkwo's story would be about a paragraph. At first I thought maybe it was him and then I thought no. Maybe he did this to show how little the people knew about the lives they were destroying.
My overall thought of this book is that it just wasn't my kind of reading. I mean I learned a lot, and I totally understand why we read it and everything, but it just wasn't something that interested me all that much. I guess I am glad that I read it because of how much I learned. I know that if it weren't for this class, I never would have thought about reading it.
Also at the end it said that this took place in Lower Niger.
I thought the ending was kind of weird with the way that Achebe said the messenger was going to write a story about this, and about how Okonkwo's story would be about a paragraph. At first I thought maybe it was him and then I thought no. Maybe he did this to show how little the people knew about the lives they were destroying.
My overall thought of this book is that it just wasn't my kind of reading. I mean I learned a lot, and I totally understand why we read it and everything, but it just wasn't something that interested me all that much. I guess I am glad that I read it because of how much I learned. I know that if it weren't for this class, I never would have thought about reading it.
Chapter 24
In this chapter they are talking a lot about war. Okonkwo was remembering a war with a neighboring tribe, and he said that they killed 12 of the other tribe's men and the other tribe only killed two of theirs. When I think war I think hundreds of people and many many casualities. Their wars seem more like battles and very low scale of what we consider now. I think that with this in mind it would not be such a good idea to fight the invaders. If the tribe is used to fighting a small number then they will not know what they are in store for if they try to fight.
Of course, Okonkwo really wants to fight and take back their community. Some others want to fight to. The speaker at the gathering seems like he wants to as well, but that is until the oppurtunity arises. When some messengers come and tell them to stop the meeting, Okonkwo cuts off one guy's head. Instead of the others backing him up, they just kind of stand there. The other messengers get away. Okonkwo knows that they will not fight now because of the action of his tribe.
I guess they are just scared of what will happen to them. At the beginning of this novel I would have thought that everyone would have joined in to take out these people, but they are just scared now. Who can blame them though? I think that almost anyone in that situation would be scared out of their mind.
I really don't know how this novel will end. I assume that the messengers will come for Okonkwo. Maybe he will escape or stay and face the music. I really don't know.
Of course, Okonkwo really wants to fight and take back their community. Some others want to fight to. The speaker at the gathering seems like he wants to as well, but that is until the oppurtunity arises. When some messengers come and tell them to stop the meeting, Okonkwo cuts off one guy's head. Instead of the others backing him up, they just kind of stand there. The other messengers get away. Okonkwo knows that they will not fight now because of the action of his tribe.
I guess they are just scared of what will happen to them. At the beginning of this novel I would have thought that everyone would have joined in to take out these people, but they are just scared now. Who can blame them though? I think that almost anyone in that situation would be scared out of their mind.
I really don't know how this novel will end. I assume that the messengers will come for Okonkwo. Maybe he will escape or stay and face the music. I really don't know.
Chapter 23
I just figured out where the missionaries and the people taking over are from. I think it is England because they keep talking about their queen.
So because of church burning, six leaders were taken to a prison type thing. Among the leaders was Okonkwo. They were given an ultimatum, and they did not agree to it. The leaders didn't receive water or food, and they were beaten. None of the leaders felt like talking because they were upset, but when they did start talking, the first thing Okonkwo said was we should have killed them when we had the chance. Of course this was a very Okonkwo thing to say, but he was punished because a guard heard him and came in to beat them all. The town was asked for money to release their men, and they gave it.
The crimes in this story are just getting worse as it goes on. These people just cannot believe what is happening to them. They are at a stand still and have no other ideas about what to do. they thought that burning the church would help them regain power, but all it did was hurt them. They just want things the way that it was, but they have no idea how to get that.
So I was basically totally wrong with the whole slave trade thing. I think this is after that happened. I really do not know the time period.
So because of church burning, six leaders were taken to a prison type thing. Among the leaders was Okonkwo. They were given an ultimatum, and they did not agree to it. The leaders didn't receive water or food, and they were beaten. None of the leaders felt like talking because they were upset, but when they did start talking, the first thing Okonkwo said was we should have killed them when we had the chance. Of course this was a very Okonkwo thing to say, but he was punished because a guard heard him and came in to beat them all. The town was asked for money to release their men, and they gave it.
The crimes in this story are just getting worse as it goes on. These people just cannot believe what is happening to them. They are at a stand still and have no other ideas about what to do. they thought that burning the church would help them regain power, but all it did was hurt them. They just want things the way that it was, but they have no idea how to get that.
So I was basically totally wrong with the whole slave trade thing. I think this is after that happened. I really do not know the time period.
Chapter 22
Mr. Brown has died and in his place there is a new man named Mr. Smith. He is one of those God-fearing Christians that tries to instill fear. He is almost the opposite of Mr. Brown. His ways are much different, and he is not as well liked as Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown was just happy that people were listening and learning, but Mr. Smith wants them to be totally engulfed in this religion. He would rather have less people that were more dedicated than many people who only sort of believed. Mr. Smith even turned some people away, which I thought was wrong. The point is to invite everyone and be in the faith together. It is not like you get an invitation. Anyone should be able to worship. Also since Mr. Brown left there has been much more conflict between the tribe and the church.
Really, these people are trying to be a part of this new religion, but they just cannot get past their old one. When the egwugwu came, Christian woman were afraid to go outside, but if they totally believed in their new religion, they would know that this is not real and there is nothing to be afraid of. As hard as they try, I don't really think they can every truly commit to the new religion the same way they did to their old.
I couldn't believe that Enoch and some others wanted a holy war. Why on earth would they want that? I guess maybe for one to triumph over the other, but still it would only cause harm and pain. I think this is their primal African nature coming out.
I would be very suspicious if I had a translator. The translator for Mr. Smith slightly twisted his words. I mean it was the same basic concept, but the tone and the passion and fire were not there as Mr. Smith had said it. I know that it was for his own good. I just would have a very hard time trusting someone like that because you never know what they are saying.
So the tribe finally took revenge against invaders. I am happy they finally stood up for themselves, but still the missionaries are trying to help and not harm. I guess there are always two sides to this type of story. I just do not know which one I am on.
Really, these people are trying to be a part of this new religion, but they just cannot get past their old one. When the egwugwu came, Christian woman were afraid to go outside, but if they totally believed in their new religion, they would know that this is not real and there is nothing to be afraid of. As hard as they try, I don't really think they can every truly commit to the new religion the same way they did to their old.
I couldn't believe that Enoch and some others wanted a holy war. Why on earth would they want that? I guess maybe for one to triumph over the other, but still it would only cause harm and pain. I think this is their primal African nature coming out.
I would be very suspicious if I had a translator. The translator for Mr. Smith slightly twisted his words. I mean it was the same basic concept, but the tone and the passion and fire were not there as Mr. Smith had said it. I know that it was for his own good. I just would have a very hard time trusting someone like that because you never know what they are saying.
So the tribe finally took revenge against invaders. I am happy they finally stood up for themselves, but still the missionaries are trying to help and not harm. I guess there are always two sides to this type of story. I just do not know which one I am on.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Chapter 21
This chapter basically compares and contrasts the African religions and the Christian one. Mr. Brown, one of the missionaries, and Akunna, a member of the tribe, were talking to each other and trying to convert the other. Neither succeeded, but they both learned a lot and so did the reader. It made more clear the African religion because it really didn't make sense to me, and now I understand it a little better.
Mr. Brown is really trying to get converts. He is very dedicated and is trying a lot of different things. He doesn't care so much about the extent to which the people believe, but is more about the numbers.
No one really noticed that Okonkwo is back. They all just have to much on their plates with all these people coming into their tribe and someone that is like them is probably more of a relief and doesn't need to be thought about. Some of these people actually liked the whites coming. They brought them this religion, but more importantly they brought them things to trade, which the people of the tribe loved. It was almost as if they had made up for destroying their lives.
Okonkwo didn't see this way. He was really upset about his tribe being so taken over. I really can't blame him though. I mean he has been dreaming of coming home to his traditional and wonderful tribe, but it is not at all the same tribe he left. Now he just doesn't know what to do.
Mr. Brown is really trying to get converts. He is very dedicated and is trying a lot of different things. He doesn't care so much about the extent to which the people believe, but is more about the numbers.
No one really noticed that Okonkwo is back. They all just have to much on their plates with all these people coming into their tribe and someone that is like them is probably more of a relief and doesn't need to be thought about. Some of these people actually liked the whites coming. They brought them this religion, but more importantly they brought them things to trade, which the people of the tribe loved. It was almost as if they had made up for destroying their lives.
Okonkwo didn't see this way. He was really upset about his tribe being so taken over. I really can't blame him though. I mean he has been dreaming of coming home to his traditional and wonderful tribe, but it is not at all the same tribe he left. Now he just doesn't know what to do.
Chapter 20
At the beginning of this chapter Okonkwo told his girls that he didn't want them to marry anyone from Mbanta not because they are bad people, but just because he wanted them to marry someone from Umuofia when they got back, but would anyone want to marry them? They are from an exiled family. Maybe this exile thing is not as serious as I think it is.
Okonkwo also said that he wants he sons to join the ozo society when they get back to Umuofia. I think that is may be something like a fraternity. Maybe similar to a country club as well. Okonkwo said that he would use wealth to get them in and not very many people are accepted into it. I guess it is kind of combo fraternity and country club.
I guess the missonary thing is way more advanced than I thought as well. I guess that I didn't really realized that seven years have passed in about thirty pages of this book. The whole thing creeped up on me just like it did them. Maybe Achebe did that on purposed to catch the reader off guard just like the people caught the tribes off guard.
I had no idea that there were so many, and they were settling. I guess there are not only missonaries now, but just regular people. It even said that they made laws and gave trials to some of the villagers. I don't get it because the villagers do not have to listen to these people at all. Are they scared or do they not know how to handle this?
Either way the situation is turning for the worst. The control is shifting hands almost without anyone noticing. It is so sad how people just came in and took over. They just didn't care about the people already here, and they changed their entire world.
Okonkwo also said that he wants he sons to join the ozo society when they get back to Umuofia. I think that is may be something like a fraternity. Maybe similar to a country club as well. Okonkwo said that he would use wealth to get them in and not very many people are accepted into it. I guess it is kind of combo fraternity and country club.
I guess the missonary thing is way more advanced than I thought as well. I guess that I didn't really realized that seven years have passed in about thirty pages of this book. The whole thing creeped up on me just like it did them. Maybe Achebe did that on purposed to catch the reader off guard just like the people caught the tribes off guard.
I had no idea that there were so many, and they were settling. I guess there are not only missonaries now, but just regular people. It even said that they made laws and gave trials to some of the villagers. I don't get it because the villagers do not have to listen to these people at all. Are they scared or do they not know how to handle this?
Either way the situation is turning for the worst. The control is shifting hands almost without anyone noticing. It is so sad how people just came in and took over. They just didn't care about the people already here, and they changed their entire world.
Chapter 19
This chapter is the end of Okonkwo's exile. He is very excited, and he already had his friend build him two huts. I still think that the whole exile was weird. First of all, what Okonkwo did was an accident. Second, his friend was allowed to visit him and has been attending to his yams and sharecropping them. Third, his friend built him two huts. When I would think of what an exile would be, I would think total isolation. No contact at all and never being allowed to go back. I really don't even understand why he was exiled if he could do all of this, and plus he wasn't even exiled to a bad place. It was to his motherland with some people he knew who treated him well. I thought it would have been much more harsh.
At the end of this Okonkwo and his family even got a going away party. It was sponsored by them, and I guess that it was more of a thank you party than anything else. Everyone knew that Okonkwo would throw a big bash, and they were all very glad for it. They did their traditional things like pray for each other and give thanks. It was just one last hooray for Okonkwo and his family, but even though they threw this they were pretty happy to leave.
I wonder if the tribe is as glad he is leaving as he is??
I really don't know how Okonkwo will be received back at his old tribe. At first I really didn't think that they would want him there, but for some reason they love him so much so maybe they will receive him well. I doubt that there will be any party or anything, but I think that he will definitely be noticed or he will make himself noticed.
At the end of this Okonkwo and his family even got a going away party. It was sponsored by them, and I guess that it was more of a thank you party than anything else. Everyone knew that Okonkwo would throw a big bash, and they were all very glad for it. They did their traditional things like pray for each other and give thanks. It was just one last hooray for Okonkwo and his family, but even though they threw this they were pretty happy to leave.
I wonder if the tribe is as glad he is leaving as he is??
I really don't know how Okonkwo will be received back at his old tribe. At first I really didn't think that they would want him there, but for some reason they love him so much so maybe they will receive him well. I doubt that there will be any party or anything, but I think that he will definitely be noticed or he will make himself noticed.
Chapter 18
Basically, a lot of this chapter is about the new religion that some of the tribe is following. It talks about basic Christian stuff like how everyone is welcome even if they are outcasts to others. The church that has been affecting the tribe very much. Okonkwo personally wants them out. I can understand this. If some strange people started invading this town I would probably want them out especially if they have basically destroyed everything that I know.
People are now not being allowed to get water and are not allowed in the market. This has never happened to the people of the tribe anymore. This is making them mad.
I was so confused in this chapter. They were talking about this python and how if you killed it but not on purpose one thing happened and if you did it on purpose something else would, but sometimes they didn't know if someone killed the python on purpose. I guess it is either metaphorical or literal. I couldn't tell which one. I mean either way it is possible, but I was just so confused. At one point I thought the python thing was with the tribe, but then it said the story had risen from the Chrisitians themselves. I just really didn't get this chapter. I guess the point for it was to show the church's affects on the tribe.
People are now not being allowed to get water and are not allowed in the market. This has never happened to the people of the tribe anymore. This is making them mad.
I was so confused in this chapter. They were talking about this python and how if you killed it but not on purpose one thing happened and if you did it on purpose something else would, but sometimes they didn't know if someone killed the python on purpose. I guess it is either metaphorical or literal. I couldn't tell which one. I mean either way it is possible, but I was just so confused. At one point I thought the python thing was with the tribe, but then it said the story had risen from the Chrisitians themselves. I just really didn't get this chapter. I guess the point for it was to show the church's affects on the tribe.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Chapter 17
Honestly, I was not surprised to find out that Nwoye was leaving to go with the missionaries because of course in the last chapter they said he was one, but even before that he always seemed out of place in his family and has questioned their religion before. I think that it is good for him to leave. His send off gave him all the more reason to leave. I wonder if he was even going to leave before his father heat him. maybe he wasn't and then that happened, and it was the last straw, but either way it was the right decision for him.
I am not at all surprised that Nwoye converted the rest of his family except Okonkwo, but this makes me think that my theory about him becoming a slave is true. Of course Okonkwo would not convert, but his family would never do it if he was still around. They are all to afraid of him, and he would probably hurt them if they did. I really think Okonkwo is going to get taken.
When the missionaries disproved the tribe's entire religion, that must have put those people in total chaos. Everything that they had been taught since they were children has been disproved by these people that have come from out of no where. They must have been thinking about all the things they did according to their old religion. So many people died and were killed, and so many people were sent away. There world have just come crashing down, and they needed somewhere to turn. The missionaries were those people.
As Okonkwo was thinking about why Nwoye was his son and why he left, did he ever think that it had something to do with him. You know the two of them are actually very much alike. Neither of them wanted to become his father.
I am not at all surprised that Nwoye converted the rest of his family except Okonkwo, but this makes me think that my theory about him becoming a slave is true. Of course Okonkwo would not convert, but his family would never do it if he was still around. They are all to afraid of him, and he would probably hurt them if they did. I really think Okonkwo is going to get taken.
When the missionaries disproved the tribe's entire religion, that must have put those people in total chaos. Everything that they had been taught since they were children has been disproved by these people that have come from out of no where. They must have been thinking about all the things they did according to their old religion. So many people died and were killed, and so many people were sent away. There world have just come crashing down, and they needed somewhere to turn. The missionaries were those people.
As Okonkwo was thinking about why Nwoye was his son and why he left, did he ever think that it had something to do with him. You know the two of them are actually very much alike. Neither of them wanted to become his father.
Chapter 16
There are a lot of new things happening in these chapters. Now there are missionaries that have come to build a church and to try to spread christianity. This is definitely giving a better overview of the time period. It must be slightly modern, but I really don't know when people started doing these missions. If anyone knows fill me in.
I figured out what an iron horse is. It is a bike.
I was kind of surprised that the tribe was not mad because of the missionaries. I would have thought that the tribe would have been more suspicious and unwelcoming. The Abame tribe killed that man and maybe the tribe was scared that if they fought they would be wiped out as well. Maybe they were just so astonished at the differences that they didn't care or maybe they could tell that these people meant no harm, and they were just going to put up with them until they left, but they are here to stay and are going to change all the tribes forever.
I am glad that Nwoye is interested in these people. He needs something that he can truly believe in. I just hope that his father will not intimidate him from doing what he believes is right.
I figured out what an iron horse is. It is a bike.
I was kind of surprised that the tribe was not mad because of the missionaries. I would have thought that the tribe would have been more suspicious and unwelcoming. The Abame tribe killed that man and maybe the tribe was scared that if they fought they would be wiped out as well. Maybe they were just so astonished at the differences that they didn't care or maybe they could tell that these people meant no harm, and they were just going to put up with them until they left, but they are here to stay and are going to change all the tribes forever.
I am glad that Nwoye is interested in these people. He needs something that he can truly believe in. I just hope that his father will not intimidate him from doing what he believes is right.
Chapter 15
I was surprised that Obierika was allowed to visit. Why isn't that against the rules? Well, I guess that it was 2 years later and maybe there was a waiting period or something. I don't know. It just seemed to me that if someone had been exiled that no one would be allowed to visit them.
What is an iron horse? That confused me.
Now the slave trade is coming into play, and I think that maybe this novel will get more interesting now. Maybe Okonkwo will get taken. He is such a good worker and is not very beloved in his new village. They might sell him out. I wouldn't doubt it.
I didn't understand why the whites killed that tribe. I know that the tribe killed one of there own, but I thought they would rather take the people away than kill them. They want them as workers, but they killed the tribe. These slave traders cannot have any moral sense at all so I would assume they would rather get the money than get revenge on a tribe for killing one of their men.
I found a quote in this chapter that I really liked it was "There is no story that is not true." I really liked this quote, and I think that it can describe this book very well. This novel is not a biography, but at one time or another everything in this book has happened to these tribes, and knowing that makes me sympathize more and try to relate to what they are going through and want learn about these people.
I thought that it was creepy when Okonkwo was thanking Obierika for everything that Obierika was like kill one of your sons. Then Okonkwo was like that will not be enough and then Obierika said then kill yourself and then Okonkwo was like forgive me I will stop thanking you and they laughed about it. That is so not funny at all. I guess it is just like now when people try to pay other people for something, and they keep telling them to stop. I guess this is their way of doing that, but I think it is to hardcore.
What is an iron horse? That confused me.
Now the slave trade is coming into play, and I think that maybe this novel will get more interesting now. Maybe Okonkwo will get taken. He is such a good worker and is not very beloved in his new village. They might sell him out. I wouldn't doubt it.
I didn't understand why the whites killed that tribe. I know that the tribe killed one of there own, but I thought they would rather take the people away than kill them. They want them as workers, but they killed the tribe. These slave traders cannot have any moral sense at all so I would assume they would rather get the money than get revenge on a tribe for killing one of their men.
I found a quote in this chapter that I really liked it was "There is no story that is not true." I really liked this quote, and I think that it can describe this book very well. This novel is not a biography, but at one time or another everything in this book has happened to these tribes, and knowing that makes me sympathize more and try to relate to what they are going through and want learn about these people.
I thought that it was creepy when Okonkwo was thanking Obierika for everything that Obierika was like kill one of your sons. Then Okonkwo was like that will not be enough and then Obierika said then kill yourself and then Okonkwo was like forgive me I will stop thanking you and they laughed about it. That is so not funny at all. I guess it is just like now when people try to pay other people for something, and they keep telling them to stop. I guess this is their way of doing that, but I think it is to hardcore.
Chapter 14
I didn't realize that in Africa it would get cold enough for there to be hail or "ice nuts." If there is hail do they get snow? Or was this just a freak occurence and it rarely happens?
Now that Okonkwo has been exiled, he is getting kind of lazy. They said that Okonkwo doesn't really feel like doing the work, and it is not what it was for him before. The way they made it sound Okonkwo only loved working and nothing else. Now he just doesn't want to. I get that he is upset and everything, but before they made work out to be his life and now it has taken a backseat to his self-pity.
I was wondering if the wedding customs in this villiage were completely different or if the customs shown here were just skipped over in the other village. In the other village they just seemed to have a celebration, but in this village there had been a sacrifice of a hen. You know that is pretty symbolic if you think about it. It is like the hen's life have been taken away and maybe given to eat just like the woman's life is now being taken away and given to the man. Even the slitting of the throat is like the pain both have to suffer to give up their lives. Only the woman will have to suffer from this pain for the rest of her life because of the beatings and the hen dies quickly.
I loved how Okonkwo totally got chewed out by Uchendu. Uchendu had it right with most of what he said. I liked the mother protection part. Also, he told Okonkwo not to be sorry for himself and to move on. I think Okonkwo needed that because he was definitely having a pity party.
Now that Okonkwo has been exiled, he is getting kind of lazy. They said that Okonkwo doesn't really feel like doing the work, and it is not what it was for him before. The way they made it sound Okonkwo only loved working and nothing else. Now he just doesn't want to. I get that he is upset and everything, but before they made work out to be his life and now it has taken a backseat to his self-pity.
I was wondering if the wedding customs in this villiage were completely different or if the customs shown here were just skipped over in the other village. In the other village they just seemed to have a celebration, but in this village there had been a sacrifice of a hen. You know that is pretty symbolic if you think about it. It is like the hen's life have been taken away and maybe given to eat just like the woman's life is now being taken away and given to the man. Even the slitting of the throat is like the pain both have to suffer to give up their lives. Only the woman will have to suffer from this pain for the rest of her life because of the beatings and the hen dies quickly.
I loved how Okonkwo totally got chewed out by Uchendu. Uchendu had it right with most of what he said. I liked the mother protection part. Also, he told Okonkwo not to be sorry for himself and to move on. I think Okonkwo needed that because he was definitely having a pity party.
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