In part two, we see two different missionaries, Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith, with very different approaches to sharing the gospel.
Briefly describe each one, highlighting the differences between them. Knowing that Achebe was a Christian, raised by a father in the ministry, what do you think he was trying to accomplish with these two characters? If you think they could be a metaphor for something larger, explain your thoughts.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Things Fall Apart - Justice
Part I
Give a quick skim of Chapter 10 to refresh your memory about how justice is served in Umofia.
What do you see as the benefits and faults in resolving conflicts this way? Does our American justice system have similar or different benefits and faults?
Part II
Consider the events of Chapter 13. (Another quick skim) Okonkwo did not receive a trial, but was handed his punishment immediately. Do you think this was fair? Was his sentence just? (7 years of banishment and burning of his property) Consider the situation from the perspective of the tribe. What advantages did this resolution offer? Should they have done something differently considering that the death was accidental?
(You don't have to answer every single question here, but give a thoughtful response to the overall situation. Also respond to a peer, adding substantial thinking to their reply.)
Give a quick skim of Chapter 10 to refresh your memory about how justice is served in Umofia.
What do you see as the benefits and faults in resolving conflicts this way? Does our American justice system have similar or different benefits and faults?
Part II
Consider the events of Chapter 13. (Another quick skim) Okonkwo did not receive a trial, but was handed his punishment immediately. Do you think this was fair? Was his sentence just? (7 years of banishment and burning of his property) Consider the situation from the perspective of the tribe. What advantages did this resolution offer? Should they have done something differently considering that the death was accidental?
(You don't have to answer every single question here, but give a thoughtful response to the overall situation. Also respond to a peer, adding substantial thinking to their reply.)
Friday, April 4, 2014
Things Fall Apart, Part 1
Please choose ONE of the topics below and address the prompt. (Please label your response with the number of the prompt chosen. Reply thoughtfully to the initial prompt and also to a fellow student.
1.) Address the poem "The Second Coming" and why you think that Achebe may have chosen it as a prologue, as well as pulling his title from its text.
2.) There is an issue here of fate versus personal control over destiny. For example, Okonkwo's father is sometimes held responsible for his own actions, while at other times he is referred to as ill-fated and a victim of evil-fortune. Which do you think Okonkwo believes is true? What do you think Achebe believes is true? What do you believe?
3.) The sacrifice of Ikemefuma could be seen as being a parallel to the crucifixion of Jesus. The event also raises a series of questions. Ikemefuma and the villagers that are left behind are told that he is "going home" (p. 58). Does this euphemism for dying contain truth for them? Do they believe they are doing him a favor? Why do they wait three years to do this? Finally, Okonkwo, "the father," allows the sacrifice to occur as God presumably allowed Christ's sacrifice, with no resistance. How can one accept this behavior and maintain love for the father or God?
4.) The villagers believe-- or pretend to believe-- that the "Supreme Court" of the nine egwugwu are ancestral spirits. In fact, they are men of the village in disguise. What does this say about the nature of justice in general, and in this village in particular?
1.) Address the poem "The Second Coming" and why you think that Achebe may have chosen it as a prologue, as well as pulling his title from its text.
2.) There is an issue here of fate versus personal control over destiny. For example, Okonkwo's father is sometimes held responsible for his own actions, while at other times he is referred to as ill-fated and a victim of evil-fortune. Which do you think Okonkwo believes is true? What do you think Achebe believes is true? What do you believe?
3.) The sacrifice of Ikemefuma could be seen as being a parallel to the crucifixion of Jesus. The event also raises a series of questions. Ikemefuma and the villagers that are left behind are told that he is "going home" (p. 58). Does this euphemism for dying contain truth for them? Do they believe they are doing him a favor? Why do they wait three years to do this? Finally, Okonkwo, "the father," allows the sacrifice to occur as God presumably allowed Christ's sacrifice, with no resistance. How can one accept this behavior and maintain love for the father or God?
4.) The villagers believe-- or pretend to believe-- that the "Supreme Court" of the nine egwugwu are ancestral spirits. In fact, they are men of the village in disguise. What does this say about the nature of justice in general, and in this village in particular?
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