In the second section of the novel the title of the book comes into play. The title refers to the crumbling culture and tradition of the Nigerian villages. Everything that was familiar to the villagers, especially Okonkwo, was begining to fall apart with the advent of the white missionaries. Just out of curiosity why do you think the villages couldn't resist the missionaries and retain their traditions? The exclusive, somewhat irrational and unfair nature of the village culture was probably what caused its downfall. The culture allowed women to be looked down upon, people to become outcasts, and left others like Nwoye searching for clarity. The flaws in the traditions caused such people to be drawn to this new religion. At least that's how I interpreted it.
Switching topics,I thought what Matt said,
"I found the description given intriguing, almost as if the father is the external strength of the family while the mother is the internal strength"
...was very insightful. I myself didn't initially make that connection but now that I see it,I strongly agree with it. Just to further discuss the topic, the fatherly strength represents masculinity which is the outer image projected by Okonkwo and perhaps the other men of the village. On the other hand the motherly strength, is expressed through inward emotions.
July 15, 2008 8:32 PM
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