entry 36

7/25/08
entry 36
quote of reflection: Obierika, who had been gazing steadily at his friend's dangling body,

Sad to say this but the body that Obierika had been staring at

was, his best friend, Okonkwo. Okonkwo had hung himself because he couldn't

take the changes that were going on, when his village took matters in the account

they were taken as prisoners and beat. When they were free the villages were

debating on war, all Okonkwo knew was that he wanted revenge. With this hatred

bottled up inside him, he killed one of the white messengers that were trying to stop

the meeting the villages were having. He acted on impulse what he had done and

he knew their would be a consequence, all this and pressure from what was going

to happen to his fatherland, all the things that Okonkwo seen as good were now

falling apart. One of the greatest men of Umuofia was now dead, he was to be buried

by strangers this was the clan's custom. How horrible that must have been for Obierika

not even able to say his last good bye to his friend, or even touch him before he was to

be buried. What is sad but true is that even the greatest of the great fall too.

entry 35

7/23/08
entry 35
page of reflection:188-189

Even though Mr. Smith was known as a man who was firm in his

belief and only seen things in black and white, black being evil. That night that

that Enoch had unmasked the egwugwu, the spirits chanted through the whole village

with machetes and screaming, it was a frightful night even for Mr. Smith. The day after

Enoch's action all the spirits where headed towards the church. When Mr. Smith found

out he decided to wait outside on the church steps. When he seen them coming with their

machetes and armor, he was even more terrified. The leader of the spirits being Ajofia spoke

saying how he wouldn't harm him, the only reason being that he was friends with Mr. Brown.

He also mentioned how they came to tell him that the church was going to be destroyed being

that it has caused so many problems with in the clan. Now to end these problems they are going

to destroy the church. Now the village leaders of Umuofia must have felt like they still had

their power, that they had before the Christians had came. The village was taking in hand their

problems and resolving them as they seen fit, but was it right?

entry 34

7/23/08
entry 34
page of reflection:186-187

Everyone in the village of Umuofia has been

wondering what is the cause for the conflict between the church and the village.

Enoch may not be the complete cause but he has been adding to the trouble. He had

unmasked a egwugwu in public. By unmasking the ancestral spirit it is then considered

to be dead. Nothing of this sort had ever happened before, the punishment was unknown.

What was certain was that the spirits were angry, they all had gathered in the market and

that night they would weep the death of the spirit. That night all the spirits even the ones

form different villages came, they were headed to Enoch's compound. When Mr. Smith

found out he had Enoch hide in the church. Which was a good idea because that night the

spirits were so angry that they burned Enoch's compound down. That is what happens

when you look for trouble you end up finding it.

entry 33

7/17/08
entry 33
page of reflection:182-183

Okonkwo's plan of return didn't go as well

as he wished. Yes his two daughters where getting married, but nobody

paid attention to the fact a warrior was back. While Okonkwo was banished for

those seven years his fatherland had changed a lot, it was almost unrecognizable.

All that the people seemed to notice was the trading stores, religion, and government.

Many in the village that remained faithful to their beliefs noticed that the new changes

where "evil" because not only did these men notice that the clan was falling apart but

Okonkwo did as well. What was sure was that it wasn't Okonkwo's year all had changed and

the clan that was one of the strongest at one point was now weak. Many have different

opinions about change whether it is good or bad not everyone will be pleased.

entry 32

7/17/08
entry 32
page of reflection:181

Mr. Brown was a wise and thought a lot about

how he was going to get villagers to get people to go to the church

Even though he was firm in his preaching and it seemed that he wouldn't

change his beliefs. He noticed that none of the others in the clan would change

their beliefs especially those that were like Akunna. He decided that frontal attacks

wouldn't work, so he built a school and a hospital. You could say that Mr. Brown was

a little desperate because he went to every family begging them to send their children

to the school, the only ones that came at the beginning were slaves and lazy children. It

wasn't after more begging that more attended. He said that the ones that would control

the future would be those knew how to read and write, because if the villagers haven't

noticed the ones controlling most of what was going on was the white men. After these

statements many went not only children but men in their thirties. I think it was the

bribing that helped. Through deceiving ways Mr. Brown got villagers to attend the

church and school, which grew.

entry 31

7/17/08
entry 31
page of reflection:179-180

Mr. Brown wasn't like most of the other missionaries, he was

calm and listened. He became friends with some of the important people of Umuomia

he learned many things from them especially of their beliefs. Brown became friends

with Akunna one of the great men of the clan. He would visit him frequently one

tried to convert the other to their beliefs, neither succeeded. Brown would

explain that to Akunna that their is only one god you are suppose to serve who

is all powerful. What is funny is that Akunna explains that they do have one god

like this as well his name is Chukwu. Even though none of the two men had any

luck in converting the other they did learn a lot from each other, and they realized

that they weren't so different. However, Mr. Brown stayed firm in his teachings

through his firmness he attracted people to his church, perhaps by speaking

with Akunna he learned things that helped him out.

entry 30

7/10/08
entry 30
page of reflection:176

Seems as if the church had a plan from the

beginning on how to enforce their government. When they first came

they appeared peaceful and quiet with their religion. What most attracted

people was listening to this different type of belief, foolishness is what some

in the village called it. Their first appearance was warm and welcoming, allowing

anyone that wished to join, join. Those from high rank to outcasts as well. Now that

the ones in the clan who have remained faithful to their ancestors and gods, wanted

to throw out this so called religion. Except the only ones that could be to blame is

the village elders who gave a place to stay thinking that they wouldn't last, however

it has been quite the contrary. It would now be impossible to kick this new religion out

because so many that have converted whether of high social status or not, they are great

in number. If they wanted this religion could probably over throw those that don't want

to listen to this new faith. What is true eveyone has there own way of thinking what is

right and what isn't this probably being the reason for so many converting because

they didn't like their old customs. Now the callen didn't act like one anymore because of

the difference of beliefs.

entry 29

7/10/08
entry 29
page of reflection:174-175

This isn't correct what the church is doing

to the villagers that are still faithful to their clan. With there new form of

government they brought with them. They built a court for those that had

did things the church didn't approve of, such as, throw away twins or molesting

Christians. What was horrible was that the prisoners where whipped daily and every

morning they where to do chores for the church. They were treated as if they were

slaves. Supposedly the church was there for peace and comfort for the villages, except

it didn't seem like this anymore. Well at least not for those that were still worshipping

their ancestors and had their own beliefs.

entry 28

7/10/08
entry 28
page of reflection:173

Okonkwo's plan was to get the attention

from the villagers of Umofia. While Okonkwo was living in his motherland

his two eldest daughters Ezinma and Obiageli had grown up and where at

the age to be married. Especially since they had been receiving proposals

of marriage from everyone in Mbanta. Not only this but Ezinma'a mother

in her day was know to be the beauty of the town, so like mother like

daughter, Ezinma was called Crystal of Beauty. While the years passed

Okonkwo had become very affectionate of his daughter because they

understood each other well. It could be said that Ezinma was the favorite

of his children, because at times Okonkwo wished she was a boy. He explained

to his daughter Ezinma not to accept any offers of marriage because when they

would return to Umofia he knew this would grab a lot of attention. Ezinma accepted

and explained it to her half sister Obiageli who accepted also.

entry 27

7/10/08
entry 27
page of reflection:172

It was quite clear that Okonkwo didn't like any of the teachings

from the Christians but not only that what he most hated was his on clan turning

on him. One of these converts being his son Nwoye, well actually Okonkwo didn't

consider him his son anymore, which is sad because his son seems more happier

now. For this reason, Okonkwo asked all his sons to come into his obi to talk

about Nwoye. His four sons came in, the youngest being four, listening to their

father who had spoke quite frankly about how he felt about Nwoye. Okonkwo

told all his sons that if any of them where to turn on him, to turn on him while

he was alive. If they turned on him when he was dead he would come after them

when he was a spirit an anger to get them. If Okonkwo is telling this to his sons

even the youngest that is four we know that he was very serious about the matter.

Okonkwo didn't want any of his sons to turn on him and not adore his ancestors or

himself for the matter.

entry 26

7/10/08
entry 26
page of reflection:172

Okonkwo's new goal was of him returning to the clan and

regaining a higher social status. He was determined to go back to gain his title

and make everything bigger and better. His crops had been growing in both

Mbanta and Umofia. When he was to return he was planning on marrying two

more wives. He thought positively about himself and his chi, now that it was his

last year of exile and he was about to return to his fatherland. Oknokwo made his

the words of his uncle Uchendu about not letting the sorrow cause him to become

a week man. He was especially happy that he was going to regain his social status

and his plan on gaining the attention he needed from the village of Umofia.

entry 25

7/8/08
entry 25
page of reflection:167

The seven years had already passed and it was quite generous of

Okonkwo to throw a feast for his family, everybody new he was going to

throw one but not one that huge. He wanted to thank them for every thing

they had done for him and his family. At the feast they served kola, yam pottage,

foo-foo, meat, and palm wine. While everyone was gathered around Uchendu mentioned

how it is good for kinsmens to gather now that they are living in fear of the younger

generation following the new faith. Uchendu says that the young generation should

be careful and not turn on their father's ancestors suddenly. He as well says that it

is good for the family, kinsmen to be together. The good thing is that Okonkwo listened

to Uchendu and didn't let the sorrow get to him, now the seven years passed and he

was going back to his fatherland.

entry 24

7/8/08
entry 24
page of reflection:160-161

It finally happened the clan and the converts became

angry towards each other and someone ended up dying. The clan was angry

because someone from the converts had killed a sacred python. The python

was considered to the people of Mbanta "our Father," it was allowed to go where

ever it pleased. Supposably the one who killed the python was Okoli the village

elders were furious, so they decided to outlaw the Christians by not allowing

them into the market to get water or chalk. The Christians became angry and

wanted to beat the villagers however Mr. Kiaga didn't permit it. The clan wasn't

sure of what they where going to do about the church, they decided they would

wait and leave it up to the gods. When the clan had heard the news that Okoli

had died they where happy because his death showed the gods they where still

able to fight their own battles. That is some what strange that they have so many

gods for objects even and animals. Well in every country and culture it is different

and has their on way of thinking what is right.

entry 23

7/8/08
entry 23
page of reflection:157

"The heathen speak nothing but falsehood, only the word

of god is true." Who was the one who said these words it was none other than

Mr. Kiaga, when he was speaking to the outcasts. He had told the outcasts that

the only reason they would be allowed in the church was if they shaved their

hair, because their hair was a symbol for their heathen belief. Although the outcasts

didn't want to for the reason that they where afraid that they would die. This is when

Mr. Kiaga explained that the clan leaders say many lies how he would die for building

his church in the evil forest but he was still alive. Not only that but how he would die if

he would take care of twins but he was still alive. Mr. Kiaga just wanted to tell the

outcasts that even though the village elders say certain things it doesn't mean their

right. He told the outcast the only one that was right was god. The outcast listend and

shaved off their hair and from then where one of the strongest in the new faith. Many

go to this new faith because of the warm welcome they recieve by Mr. Kiaga and

his faith.

entry 22

7/8/08
entry 22
page of reflection:156

The church has had its struggle of difficulties but the reason why

it has become stronger is for the reason they let anyone that wants to join, join.

The outcasts being one of those, they are people who are to take care of the shrines,

not allowed to be married and they live there whole life by the shrine and aren't

allowed to be free till the day they die. This must be a hard life to live being that

you aren't allowed to have contact with anyone else besides other outcasts, and

even when you are buried you are to be buried in the evil forest by other outcasts.

The outcast not only have to live like this but be filthy, they are recognized by their

long dirty tangled hair. The outcasts are in a way slaves for the reason that after them

if they have children their children are to be outcast and so forth after their children as

well. In other words their is no way for them to be free or break the cycle.

For this reason when they came to the church, to see if they

would be accepted the converts moved slighlty away from them. It wasn't until

Mr. Kiaga told them they where welcome to stay. No wonder their has been so

many in the village of Mbanta that have already converted to this new faith.

entry 21

7/8/08
entry 21
page of reflection:154-155

The church in Mbanta wasn't expected to grow especially

since it was in the evil forest. However to the surprise of the village it grew more

and became stronger too. It was said that the the church also came with its on

form of government to protect the followers. Except the with this new church and

the ones that still believed in their gods, it caused controversy. Problems arose there

was an incident that a man was hung for killing a missionary and that twins were being

rescued. Yes there was disputes and anger between the two groups but none of them

could do anything with out a consequence. For instance that if the converts would kill

someone they would have to flee from the clan, for the simple reason that they had

converted they still belonged to the clan. Even though the Christians were causing

problems to the clan they left it alone because they knew how to get rid of them by

driving them out of the clan. What seems that is going to end up happening is the

that the church is going to gain more respect and power from the clan. None the less,

there will still be those villagers who still believe in their gods and ancestors. What is

certain that sooner or later problems will lead to fights between the two groups.

entry 20

7/7/08
entry 20
page of reflection:151-152

Many had joined what the white men called the Christians, and the

and the ones who stayed faithful to their ancestors where completely angry.

Then when one of the cousins passed by the church he seen Nwoye there. When

Amiku, cousin, got home he went to speak to Okonkwo about what he saw. Late

in the afternoon when Nwoye got home his father gripped him by the neck and

choked him, Okonkwo was overcome by fury at the thought of his son being with

the Christians. What was sad was that Okonkwo beat his son with a heavy stick

that was mounted on the wall. Women where screaming of fear, until Uchendu

came in and stopped the whole thing. I think that was Nwoye's final breaking

point and then he ran away and didn't return. Nwoye seeked refuge at the

church, he was welcomed byMr. Kiaga. Nwoye didn't know what it was about

the place but he felt happy that he converted to a new faith. At least he wouldn't

have to worry about being beat by his father, he would go to visit his mother and

siblings. It's probable the reason he felt happy was because he left an abusive father

and was welcomed warmly to this new church.

entry 19

7/7/08
entry 19
page of reflection:146-147

White men had came into the village Mbanta, they came

preaching to the people in town about a trinity. Not only that but he told the

people of Mbanta that they gods weren't alive, there was no such things as

ghosts or spirits. There was nothing to harm them because these gods and

ancestors weren't real just statues. After that statement everyone broke into

laughter, everytime the man would talk he was just made fun of they all

thought he was crazy. Except Nwoye he liked what he heard, because it

questioned the fact of twins being thrown out and Ikemefuna being killed.

Nwoye felt relief of what these white men where saying, however he was

confused about who to follow his families ancestors or this new god. Well

what his father thought about these men was that they were mad. What

Nwoye was probably thinking was that his father would strongly disapprove

of this new god. What was certain was that he like what he heard he described

it as "Drops of frozen rain melting on the dry panting earth." At least now

he seemed to have something of comfort and happiness to listen to.

entry 18

7/7/08
entry 18
page of reflection:135

Uchendu didn't want the sorrow that Okonkwo was feeling for

for himself get in the way of leaving his motherland after seven years. He

reminded him how Okonkwo wasn't the only one that has suffered a great

deal. Uchendu told him he has suffered a great deal as well, he has lost all his

wives and many of his children he has had to bury. If we think about that it

is an extreme pain for a parent to lose just one child now imagine having to

lose many children, and having to bury them yourself. Uchendu is a strong

man because most people would have hung themselves but to this day he

has got through it and is alive. One of Uchendu daughters has suffered

greatly also every time she tries to have a child she has twins, and in the

village twins are seen as something bad, she has to get rid of them. Even

though to Okonkwo has lost a lot, he should look around him. He should

remember that everyone else has had there share of sorrows as well.

Uchendu says Okonkwo should be happy because he was only banished

for seven years there are other men who are banished for a lifetime.

In other words he should be a man and get over it because in seven

years he will get to return to his fatherland.

entry 17

7/2/08
entry 17

page of reflection:133-134

After Okonkwo had told Uchendu the reason for him

seeking refuge in his motherland, Uchendu had invited his entire family to

gather around. He mostly wanted to speak with Okonkwo about the real

reason he and his family where there. It was intresting the way Uchendu

explained why when someone is punished they are to flee to there motherland.

Uchendu explained that a child belongs to his father but when his father beats

he finds comfort from his mother. Or when things are sweet you remain in

your fatherland, and when life is bitter you seek refuge from you mother in

your motherland. However, besides giving him the explanation for

Okonkwo being there he also encouraged him to not let this incident get

in the way with his life after the seven years pass. Uchendu tells him that

a strong man wouldn't let this interfere with his life but he would overcome

it. It seems as if Uchendu is like a role model or even as a father for

Okonkwo because he has done what a father would do for a son that is going

through a hard time.

entry 16

7/2/08
entry 16
page of reflection

Yes it is misfortunate what happened to Okonkwo, him

accidently killing a young girl. Even though that was hard having to start over

his family worked extremely hard to plant there new farm and start there

life over. What is sad though is that Okonkwo had always wanted to be one

of the lords of the land, except now that he was in his motherland he couldn't

do that anymore. He didn't have the same position and social status he did

in his fatherland of Umofia. He was now in a new village of Mbanata. Yes this

was Okonkwo's life goal he had almost achieved until the misfortunate event

that occured. Except all that was left was for Okonkwo to start a new which

he would do, besides he was a man that was made for great things. Okonkwo

had seven years to think of what he would do before he would return to his

fatherland and how he could regain his position that he once had in the clan.

After all there was no where for Okonkwo to go besides up.

entry 15

7/2/08
entry 15
page of reflection:130

Another thing that I greatly admired was the fact that Uchendu

gave Okonkwo a piece of land. The land was to build Okonkwo's compound with huts

for his wives. That wasn't the only thing that Uchendu gave to Okonkwo he also gave

him a piece of land for planting the crops. What was nice of Uchendu he gave all this

to Okonkwo for free. Well at least it can be assumed because for the simple fact that

they are family and Uchendu never said anything about him paying him back. He

took the land and made the best of it for the reason that he put his own compound

and huts for his wives. Okonkowo would have to act quickly now that the raining

season was coming he would have to provide food for his family. By building the

compound and preparing the soil for planting the crops this demonstrates the

gratitude he had toward his uncle Uchendu.

entry 14

7/2/08
entry 14
page of reflection:129

As we already know that Okonkwo was to flee from his father

land and go to his motherland. He was recieved by his uncle Uchendu. Uchendu

was his mother's youngest brother and one of the oldest still alive from his family.

Okonkwo's mother had died many years ago when Okonkwo was just a

boy. Now instead of coming to burry his mother he was there to seek refuge

not only for himself but his family as well. No questions asked or anything

Uchendu recieved him with open arms. He seen the grief that Okonkwo

was feeling at the time and he welcome him and his entire family to

stay in his household. Which is something admirable he did taking

in someone that is family without juding them or questioning them

for the reason that they are there.

entry 13

7/1/08
entry 13
page of reflection:124

A tragidy had a occured you could say, Okonkwo had accidentally

shot young women during the funeral of Ezeudu. The punishment for something

like this to occur was to leave to there motherland for seven years. The

punishment was from the earth goddess, not to mention that the

property would be destroyed there animals would be killed

there yams burned, and there compound destroyed too. It was

a complete accident what had happend which came with a sever punishment.

Okonkwo and his family had to flee to his motherland, he was

going to have to start over, gain respect amongst those in the village,

and provide a home and food for his family of three wives with many

children. What must have made things worse for Okonkwo was that his life goal was

to get all four titles of the clan which now seemed to be precluded .

His motherland was where his mother was from before she was married,

in this case his motherland was in Mbanta.

entry 12

7/1/08
entry 12

page of reflection:121

It was early morning and the first cock hadn't crowed, the village of

Umofia was still asleep. Then they were awaken by the ekwe ( a type of muscial

drum) everybody understood what the sounds of the drum meant. All that was

heard was the sound of women crying and men listening desperately to know

what was going on. They mentioned Umofia obodo dike meaning "the Land of

the Brave." All the men and women who lived in the village of Umofia listened

even more and there was great suspense. They finally mentioned the name of

Ezeudu he was dead. Yes it is true that Ezeudu may have died but it can be

implied that he lived a fine life. He had taken three out of four titles which was

rare and seen as admirable, because after one obtains all four they become

the ruler of the land. He was highly respected amongst the nine villages.

Everybody attended his funeral and everyone that was there could say that

he was a great man. His funeral was no ordinary funeral but a warriors

funeral since morning till night many warriors came to the funeral. Not only

was it people and warriors from other villages but ancestors as well.

Ezeudu was one of the oldest men of the clan so yes it can be said that he

lived life to its fullest.