Response to Others

Okay, I read and posted to three blog, Alaina's, Kyrstin's and Lauren's. The reason I did three was because I really didn't understand what Lauren was talking about, it confused me a lot. Where as Alaina and Kyrstin helped explain a little bit about the topic at hand. Alaina and I both find the religion very interesting, and Kyrstin finds it kind of odd.

Like Alaina said in her response to others section, Hinduism is an open-ended religion because it does allow other to think and believe what they want. That is pretty much what I felt the picture example that was used was explaining. Also since there is so much diversity in the religion I too wonder how the heck everyone keeps every thing strait, there is so much that would have to be learned, and would take forever, if a person decided to convert late in life, I don't think that they could do it. To close Hinduism is very complex, and to be Hindu you pretty much must grow up in it, and start learning very young, otherwise, you'll never get it. But I also think you probably don't get it all, at all, because there are so many different books to the religion.

Mythology of Hinduism # 2

Okay, first of all I had a heck of a time trying to listen to this, I couldn’t get it to down load on any computers at first. But now that I have gotten to listen to it, I have decided that it was very boring. It was a boring lecture, where he just went on and on and on kind of like the song that never ends, and I found the guy’s voice very annoying, but loved his accent. At first, I was not sure where he was going with the black and white/bad and good thing, but eventually got it I think, it was kind of confusing. I thought he was talking about how everything could be compared to black and white, evil and good. When he talked about the, I think it was a black circle on white paper, or vise versa, I found it very interesting, because I agree with him totally, every one views things in different ways, you might see a circle on the paper, someone else may see like he said, a hole in the wall, or what ever else you mind might put to it, maybe a wheel, I don’t know. To tie this in with religion, I figured he was talking about how every religion views God in different way, and that even in the Hindu religion, they view God differently. They believe in reincarnation, and the way it was explained in class, they have a very good point, especially with the remembering things when they happen, I am not saying I believe in it, but it is an interesting point of view. Along with the reincarnation, is the karma was cool learning about. Then there is Kalpa, where Brahma becomes a human, every 4,320,000 years, who forgets who he is, and then rediscovers himself. And to close with, I think I like learning the stuff from class, not from a philosopher who annoys me to listen to.

My Final Thoughts

I kind of liked the book, but it was not a favorite. I just don’t think that I would have read it on my own. I there were times when I felt lost, because I thought it was a bit jumpy, and some topics brought up seemed to be randomly put in spots. Yes, they were explained better in other chapters, but still I felt like some chapters were starting in the middle of the story, and later explained better in other chapters. I think the reason why I it was a little bit hard for me to get into was because I am a fantasy, mystery and horror reader, not a nonfiction reader. It just doesn’t interest me, but like a history class does.

ChapterTwenty-five

When the DC came to get Okonkwo, they had found out that he had hung himself. This culture is very, sort of superstitious. They would not take down his body from the tree because it is against the Earth to commit suicide. So they ask the soldiers to take him down. They also cannot bury him; a stranger must do all of this, that is why they ask the DC’s soldiers. Then they must again clense the land because he is now considered evil. I liked the way that Obierika just started yelling at the DC, pretty much saying he made Okonkwo, who was a great man, stoup to killing himself over overcoming the problems. Oh yeah, that ending about the writing of the book I didn't quite get. It was kind of random.

Chapter Twenty-four

The prisoners were let go and walked home in silence. The women and children, on their way to the river, that they passed, were afraid of them. They were very angry and upset about the incident. When Okonkwo go home, Ezinma made a meal for him. That night, a meeting is called for the next morning. The next day, Okonkwo wants war, and thinks about a certain person who he fears will not want to go to war, his name is Egonwanne, and he is very influential. That is why he hopes he will not be able to attend the meeting. The next day at the meeting, Okonkwo and Obierika go to the meeting, and Egonwanne is there, but the meeting is interrupted by white messengers. They say the meeting must end now. Okonkwo confronts them and ends up using his machete and cutting off the lead messenger’s head off. He then leaves, and now knows that the clan will never go to war. I think it was irrational for him to do that because now he has cause more problems for his clan. With him being a warrior, he is disappointed in the clan, it seem like he is very depressed. I wonder where he went, and what the clan will do with him now

Chapter Twenty-three

The District Commissioner called “friendly” meeting and invited Okonkwo and five other men of Umuofia. They were to discuss the incident that had taken place while the DC was on tour, the burning of the church. They men went to the meeting and were asked to tell their story but were told that nothing would be done until both sides of the story were heard. One guy started telling the story, and the DC paused him and invited twelve other guys in to hear the story as well. A scuffle took place and next thing the six men knew were that that they were cuffed and imprisoned. They stayed in jail for three days before talking about the price of getting out. When they were imprisoned, the price was 200 bags of cowries, but when the clan found out, the price was 250 bags. There were also many rumors that went around, that the men were hung, and that men were on their way to wipe out Umuofia, just like what happened to Abame. I didn’t like how they were lied to. It is not right; they did not get to tell their side of the story. All men are equal; this is truly what I believe.

Chapter Twenty-two

Since Mr. Brown died his place was taken by Reverend James Smith. None of the cultural clan like him, after a few weeks of him, he suspended a woman from church for putting new wine in old bottles, WHAT does it matter? It won’t hurt the wine. Then a guy name Enoch, who is very devoted to Christianity, defaced the African religion by tearing the mask off of a egwugwu, which is thought to kill the spirit. This was very bad, and had never happened before, so for this, the clan burns down Enoch’s compound, and Mr. Smith hid Enoch from them. The clan is fed up with the Christians. Since they defaced their religion, the egwugwu defaced the Christians, by burning down the church. Enoch was trying to start religions war between the two. Both of these were very wrong, but well deserved. Just because you don’t like another religion don’t mean you should treat them different. This is kind of like what Hitler did to the Jews, and I strongly disagree with that too.

Chapte Twenty-one

I really liked this chapter, because it was about the two religions. I like to hear the different sides of the religion stories. Both Akunna the leader of the cultural clan, and Mr. Brown, the leader of the missionaries, brought up good points to both religions. Neither could convince either one to convert. I find these kind of discussions interesting, that is why I did a pro/con research paper on witchcraft and religion, because witchcraft, Wicca, or pagan beliefs are also considered a religion. Like Akunna said, God still has helper, to show people his ways, that is the same as their culture, but the just consider them gods as well. Also in this chapter we learned that Nwoye is now called Isaac and is going to school in Umuru, the original place where the whites settled first, to become a teacher. Mr. Brown thought that Okonkwo would be happy to know, but quickly realized he was wrong. Soon after, Mr. Brown becomes ill and dies. This is also kind of when Okonkwo realizes that sadly, his clan has fallen apart, beyond repair. So there is not much help for the cultural clan. I think the whites are getting all to commit to the religion, and eventually take control over them and eventually export them as slaves

Chapter Twenty

In this chapter, Okonkwo has move back to Umuofia, and is catching up on everything that has happened within the clan. He was very happy to return, and had many plans for his future; he wants to build his compound bigger, with a bigger barn, and build two new huts for two new wives, which brings him to five. He also had Ezinma, who is now old enough to be wed, wait till they returned to get married, the same with Obiageli, instead of marrying a suitor from Mbanta. But instead, he learns that his plans might be tough to accomplish, because most of the clan has lost its faith within the clan and has converted to Christianity. They talk about the chance of taking over the whites, and Christian, but realize that most of their clan now are Christian, and would go to the main town and bring soldiers who they call Ashy-buttock (because of the color of their pants)…hehe… and bring them back and wipe out Umuofia like they did to Abame. I think that maybe they few that are left, that follow the culture, should possibly pick up and move to an uninhabited area and get others from other clans to go with them and start anew. Then the ones that believe in Christianity would not be bothered by the unbelievers, and possibly they might be able to get the Christian believers to come back on their side and rid the land of the whites. They are ripping the clans apart, making them weak so that they can start slave trade.

Chapter Nineteen

Finally it has been seven years in exile, and Okonkwo is planning to move back to Umuofia. He has Obierika build two huts for him so he has a place to return to. Okonkwo also has a great feast for his kinsman in Mbanta. While preparing for the feast, Ekwefi, Ezinma and Obiageli, Ojiugo’s Daughter go to pick tubers and it had been raining. Ezinma was complaining about the rain and asked if she would dissolve like salt, by Obiageli. I thought this was cool because I am pretty sure that the story was written from the past, and that saying is still used today. The feast amazed all of the kinsmen because of all the food that was prepared. One of the kinsman made speech to praise Okonkwo for preparing such a big feast for them all. And just another random question, how many kids do these families have, honestly, how can they afford them all, because Okonkwo had two more kids in Mbanta.

Chapter Eighteen

The past few chapters have each progressively became more about the Christian society growing. It also mentions that in Umuofia, the Christians have brought in a government of their own to prosecute those who acted against the Christian. One man was even hung for killing a missionary. Finally, the clans are starting to fight back, to preserve their culture and ancestry. The community of Christians were convinced to let the outsiders of the clan to join the church, because they are convinced that they are all of God’s children. But to join the church, they must shave off their tangled and dirty hair. I would think that they would let them join any way, because it should not matter what the look like. It was then decided in this chapter for Mbanta to outlaw the Christians because a sacred python was killed by one of the converts named Okoli. The clan no longer allowed them to get water, go to the market place, or anything else. Some of the converts loose faith in the church and go back to the clan, while Mr. Kiaga (who is the interpreter) convinces other to stay.

Chapter Seventeen

This chapter better explains the situation between Okonkwo and Nwoye. When the missionaries first came Nwoye was attached. He did not let any one know. The missionaries asked for land to build a church on and were given a section of the “evil forest,” and were expected to be taken over by the evil spirits in the forest. Each date that was given that clan expected the missionaries to all die by came and went. Finally, Nwoye got his courage and joined the Christians. Okonkwo was furious when he found out and threatened to kill Nwoye, but Uchendu intervened and Okonkwo let him go. Nwoye left Mbanta and went to Umuofia, but vowed to come back for his mother and siblings and convert them. I don’t side one way or the other, when it comes to religion. I feel that you should have the right to choose your religion and if others don’t like it, they shouldn’t criticize you for it, it’s your choice. I think Okonkwo is wrong for saying Nwoye is wrong. Not everyone has the same beliefs, and just because he believes in Christianity does not mean that he will forget his cultural/ancestral background.

Chapter Sixteen

Two years later, in Mbanta, white missionaries have come and are going to live among the clan and teach the new religion. The missionaries also go to Obierika’s clan of Umuofia, where Okonkwo is originally is from. Obierika sees Nwoye, Okonkwo’s oldest son, and asked what he is doing. Nwoye’s reply is that he is one of them now, meaning part of the missionary. When asked about his father, he says “I don’t know, he’s not my father. So Obierika pays a visit to Okonkwo to see what happened. Okonkwo wouldn’t talk, so he got most of the story out of Nwoye’s mom. When the missionaries came, the hymn they sang soothed him, so he joined. This chapter was kind of …blah, yeah, it introduces the whites to the clan, and that Nwoye has joined in the new faith, but does not have much importance. Only that it again has tidbits of new information about the culture, but not enough to worry about. The only other importance is that it introduces the clan to the new religion, which they pretty much just turn up their noses too, and laugh at. Another thing that they don’t really like is that the missionaries call their gods fake, and say that their god is the only god.

Chapter Fifteen

After two years of exile, Okonkwo gets a visitor, Obierika, who brings him cowries that he receives for selling the yams. Okonkwo takes Obierika to meet Uchendu, who is eager to meet him. Again, par norm, the tradition of the kola nut and wine takes place. They then talk about the different clans around them, and this is where Uchendu and Okonkwo find out about the whites that massacred the clan of Abame. A single white man arrived in Abame and they killed him, then they were massacred a time later. This news causes fear, because another rumor is that the white have better guns, and are going to wipe out all of the clans. I honestly have no opinion on this chapter, because I have no idea of what might happen next.

Chapter Fourteen

In this chapter, Okonkwo arrives in Mbanta, and his uncle, Uchendu, helps him set up his new compound, while his cousins give him yams to start his new crops when the time comes. It also says that Uchendu does not ask why he has come, because he already had an idea of what happened and Okonkwo told him the next day. Then Amikwu, Uchendu’s youngest of the five sons was marrying a new wife. After this ceremony, Uchendu explains why Okonkwo has come to live in Mbanta. The questions that he asks Okonkwo are confusing to me because I don’t get how they directly pertain to the situation. Is it explaining the importance of women in their society? If it is, will this open up Okonkwo’s eyes to see that he should not threaten his wives the way he does?

Chapter Thriteen

The oldest man of the clan died in this chapter, his name was Ezeudu. He had three of the four titles that could be received in the clan and was well respected. His funeral was similar to that of a soldier in America, with the gun shots, cannons and blessings from the egwugwu. While the shots are being fire, Okonkwo is among the shooters. His gun exploded, sending shrapnel everywhere. One piece pierces the heart of Ezeudu’s sixteen year old son. This is considered to be a crime against the earth god, and the person who has committed it must flee, basically be exiled for seven years. Okonkwo gathered up all of his wives and children, and valuable possessions and went to his mother’s home clan. He gave his yams to Obierika to sell. The clansmen then set fire to his compound and killed his animals, to rid it of the “pollution”. They had nothing against him, this was just the thing to do if this happened. I wonder why this is believe this way, because you cannot control an explosion like this, so technically it was not his fault. I sort of feel bad for him and his family, mostly the family, cause I still don’t like Okonkwo.

Chapter Twelve

This is one of the few chapters that the culture actually relates similarly to American traditions. In this chapter, a wedding takes place, marrying Obierika’s daughter, Akueke, to Ibe, her suitor. It is amazing at how many people get involved with a marriage. The whole clan participates, all the wives cook, while the children cause havoc (setting the cows loose), and the men all talk and eat kola nuts and drink wine. Then the in-laws come and the marriage took place, then they all ate foo-foo, and then had like a dance and the couple received gifts, sort of like a normal wedding. And just a question, what the heck is foo-foo. I’m assuming it has something to do with yams, that’s just a guess, I’m not sure.

Chapter Eleven

Chapter eleven started off with Ekwefi telling Ezinma a story about a tortoise and birds. The birds were having a feast in the sky, and tortoise wanted to go. The birds did not want to let him because he was known for being cunning and ungrateful, hmm… whose that sound like…Okonkwo, not mentioning names or anything. But anyhow, the tortoise told them that he had change, so they let him go. Each bird gave him a feather, and they all flew up into the sky. To make a long story short, the tortoise betrayed them, so all the birds took back their feathers and left him in the sky. The last bird was asked to make a visit to tortoise’s wife and tell her to lay all the soft things out so that he could jump from the sky. The bird told him to put all the hard things out, the tortoise could not see that all the stuff was hard, and figured it was soft, so he jumped. He shattered his shell, but a medicine man fixed him up, and that is why tortoises have rough shells. Like I said earlier, who dos this kind of sound like… Okonkwo. He seems to be ungrateful, and cunning. I also feel that he is going to fall in his society and ruin his good name.
The chapter also shows that Okonwo does worry and have a good heart in him; he just doesn’t show the emotions openly. Chielo, the priestess came for Ezinma, and took her to the Oracle's cave where Agbala, the god, wanted to see her. The Okonwo and Ekwefi were told not to follow, but both, including Okonkwo, did anyhow out of worry for Ezinma. In the end she was brought home safe and sound by Chielo.

Chapte Ten

This chapter was kind of random I thought, because it was again, as normal, about the culture. But what I am a little confused about was, do they have a trial that is held at only specific times or how does it work? I understood it as only being held at specific times because they went through the introductions of the egwugwu while the women and children run in fear, only to return moments later and then the trial began. Egwugwus are “masqueraders who impersonate one of the ancestral spirits of the village,” who also are the judges of the trials. It only goes into detail about one trial, but says that other took place afterwards. The main trial was about a guy who beat his wife, and the wife’s kinsmen took her and her children to their home to protect her from the husband. The egwugwu shrug this of as it being normal, and say for the husband to plead for his wife back and he must take them a pot of wine. Some one even says, “ I don’t know why such a trifle should come before the egwugwu.” So I feel this chapter is pointless because it has nothing to do with Okonkwo or his family, it only states that he is one of the egwugwu. And lastly, I have never heard of this kind of system of judgment before, yes we have Judgment Day, but in this culture, they come when a dispute takes place.

Chapter Nine

Chapter nine is about Okonkwo's wife, Ekwefi, and her daughter, Ezinma. I was also amazed by the affection that Okonkwo showed in the chapter. Ekwefi comes to him in tears, because Ezinma is sick, she says that she is dying. Okonkwo show affection to Ezinma by going out and collecting different herb/plants to cure her from the fever. He puts them in a pot and creates medicine for her. Once it is ready, he gets her on a stool, and the pot is set beside her, and a mat is thrown over her. Once he felt she was surrounded by enough fume he took the mat off and layed her down and she fell asleep.

This chapter also goes into detail about Ekwefi, by telling about all her lost children, that died a period of time after their birth. After many of the deaths, Okonkwo gets a medicine man who believes that the problem is an Ogbanje, an evil child that repeatedly dies and returns to its mother, causing much grief. The only way an Ogbanje(a special stone that links the ogbanje to the spirit world) will live is if its Iyi-uwa is found and destroyed. To make a long story short, they found and destroyed Ezinma's iyi-uwa, so she should live.

This chapter demonstrates a few more of their cultural beliefs, such as the belief of the evil child and their holistic medicines. I thought it was some what very interesting.

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight, finally something he does has a negative effect on him! It tells about him grieving for the death of Ikemefuna. He can’t sleep or eat for a couple days afterwards. The only thing in this chapter, it does not say anything about how the rest of the family is coping without Ikemefuna. After this, Okonkwo goes to his friend, Obierika, hut and is invited to attend a meeting about the friend’s daughter’s suitor. So Okonkwo goes home for a while, until he is needed back the hut. The suitors name is Ibe, his fathers name is Ukegbu, and both families come to an agreement on the price Obierika’s daughter after eating a kola nut, drink wine, and then afterwards eat foo-foo. This chapter also talks about the death of a couple from another village, the husband died then his eldest wife, but she was buried before he was. A lot of these names are very confusing, because they are all so close, for example, Okonkwo, Obierika, Ozoemena, Ogbuefi, there are so many that are similar it is sometimes hard to keep each straight.

Chapter Seven

Okay, in chapter seven, it is three years later, after Ikemefuna had arrived at Okonkwo’s home. Okonkwo has noticed the good that Ikemefuna has done for Okonkwo’s son, Nwoye. He has change drastically from boy to man, all because of Ikemefuna. The boys now sit with Okonkwo in his obi and they listen to their father’s “masculine” tales. Also, it is the year of the locus, they come in in swarms that turn they sky black. Every one is excited because locusts are considered to be a delicacy because the only come once a life time.
Then there is a turn for the worst, the council people of the town come and tell Okonkwo that they have decided to kill Ikemefuna, and don’t want Okonkwo to have any thing to do with it. So a few days later, they tell Ikemefuna that he is going to go to his original home, and take him and Okonkwo out into the forest. Ikemefuna knows something is not right, so one of the times that he turns around looking for Okonkwo, the guy behind him takes a swing at him. Ikemefuna runs to Okonkwo, who end up killing him because of HIS PRIDE again. He has to live with that picture of Ikemefuna’s last minutes in his life forever, which would be hard the way it happened in the novel. His pride is really getting to me; it is called being a self-centered jerk, just because it normally is a reaction that takes place that is cruel towards others to keep his pride, just like everything else!