The egwugwu is like the court system of the village. These are merely men in masks that impersonate the spirits, but the women and children still fear them. I think that Okonkwo has to be among them, but that is my opinion. He appears to strong to other people not to be. These egwugwu emerge from a hut where no woman is allowed to set foot in. This is another example of the views of women in the African culture. I think the whole idea of the court system is good, but to have men inpersonate spirits is a little weird. I mean, that is somewhat extreme. Why couldn't the village elders, who are so well respected, be the judges of the gathering? Why does it have to be men acting as spirits?
I also found ironic that a man brought his case in front of the egwugwu that was similar to stuff that Okonkwo had done. He wanted his wife and children back and claimed that they were unfairly taken from him by his wife's three brothers. The brothers claim that the husband had beat their sister and that he should have to beg to get her to come back. I think it is ironic because the egwugwu rule in favor of the wife and brothers. If Okonkwo is truly one of these "spirits," he is really being a hypocrite because he has beat Ekwefi and shot a gun at her. Shouldn't his wives be taken from him too? Or is he just overlooked because of his postion in the community?
2 comments:
This chapter was very interesting to me. I found it a lot like a court room and all and it kind of reminded me of a Jerry Springer episode.. LOL Yeah I did not see it before but what the man did is a lot like what Okonkwo did to his wife...interesting!
There definitely is a big disconnect between their version of a court's fairness, and the way they treat their women like dirt. We see this through the novel. I really feel bad for them. Many students keep making the point how lucky we are to live in America!!
Good point about Okonkwo siding with the woman, even after he shot a gun at his own. Hypocrite.
Mr. Farrell
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