Chapter 5

The Feast of the New Yam is kind of like our Thanksgiving Day. It is a time for the village to rest and worship Ani. This praise is all in hope that she will grant them a prosperous growing season. Okonkwo does not like feasts because he does not like the idleness that comes along with it. He does invite his wives' relatives so they can see them. I think that this act shows that Okonkwo truely cares for his wives and their happiness, but he does not like to show it. The first day of the feast is a day when guest come to feast and catch up.

The second day of the feast is held for an annual wrestling match. I found it interesting that Okonkwo won the heart of his second wife when he was wrestling with the Cat. It seems that his second wife is the one that he beats the most. That is kind of ironic. I also found it interesting that the daughters of the wives were responsible for taking the meals to their father's obi. Why wouldn't his wives take the meals themselves.

Chapter 4

I think that Ikemefuna helped Okonkwo in a way. When Ikemefuna was placed in Okonkwo's care, Nwoye, the eldest son of Okonkwo, looked up to him. This helped Okonkwo because Nwoye was showing signs of laziness, and that is the single thing that Okonkwo hates the most. Without Ikemefuna, I think that Okonkwo would have beat Nwoye and yelled at him constantly.

This chapter also showed me that Okonkwo has a short temper. For example, when his third wife Ojiugo did not return home in time to cook him the afternoon meal, Okonkwo beat her. The worst thing about this beating was that it took place during the Week of Peace. This is a great wrong-doing, and Okonkwo had to give sacrifices to Ani so that he could be forgiven for his sin. Is Ani kind of like God in Christianity? It seems that she is one of the most important gods in the religion of the village.

Chapter 3

I guess Okonkwo's mom didn't die while he was still because it mentions him having to feed his mother and siblings. I mean that would have to make Okonkwo upset because his still a young man, and he has to take care of his father's family. Okonkwo is trying to start a barn of yams for himself, but he is not able to because he has to use most of his yams to feed his mother, father, and siblings. That could be one reason why Okonkwo does not care for lazy people.

I feel bad for Okonkwo when his yams do not grow as planned. He gets off to a rough start. This could possibly foreshadow his future. I think that eventually even if he does everything right, something is going to go wrong. If he planted the yams at just the right time and did everyting to save them from the heat of the drought, then something similar might happen with his life later, but I'm not sure.

You can tell that the village already respects Okonkwo because Nwakibie, the wealthy man of the village, trusts Okonkwo with his yams. Nwakibie refused to give yams to many young men that asked him, but he said that he would trust Okonkwo completely. He trusts him because he feels that Okonkwo is going to be a successful person. He says he can tell that from looking at him. I think that is extreme, but I guess it could be part of the culture.

Chapter 2

I found it weird to think that anyone would be able to sit back and drink palm wine out of a human head. Wow, that would have to be disgusting. Other than that, Okonkwo seems to be the polar opposite of his father. It even said his worst fear of all is to become his father. Out of curiosity, what was Okonkwo's mother like? I don't remember her being mentioned except for when Achebe was describing how Unoka's wife and children starved because of his debts. Is this a representation of how Okonkwo does not view women as equals to men? Is that why he does not talk about his mother? Did she die while he was still young?

I think that Okonkwo is going to become attached to Ikemefuna and treat him like a son because to me Okonkwo seems to be the type of man who respects anyone who is willing to do hard work. I think that Ikemefuna is so afraid to be in an unknown situation that he will do anything to please. That is why I think that he will do well in Okonkwo's care.

I think that Okonkwo is not as cold-hearted as Achebe describes him. I think that he feels he has to be tough so that he will not end up like his father. I think that inside of him he is a caring person, but he refuses to show his emotions because this is a sign of weakness. I think that Okonkwo's pride is going to hurt him later on. I think his goal of remaining strong and hard-working throughout life is going to be his downfall in the end.

Chapter 1

I like how the novel begins with the story of how Okonkwo got his fame in the village. It is helpful how the scene with Okoye gives insight to the African culture. I also liked the history of his father. This helped me understand why Okonkwo is the way he is disgusted by unsuccessful people. So far, I have that Okonkwo is a great wrestler, wealthy farmer, and married to three women. He is expected to do great things for the village.