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.
1 comment:
I never made the New Yam-Thanksgiving connection, but now that you mention it I think it makes sense!
Interesting you seem to think Okonkwo cares for his wives. I just don't see it very much. I think maybe he's trying to impress other people?
Not sure why the daughters deliver the meal and not the wives. Must be a tribal custom?
Keep the comments coming. I'm only checking for a few more days.
Mr. Farrell
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