Comparison Exercise - Things Fall Apart

Chapter eight.

1. How does the author position you to view the Ibo tribe? (Consider social structure, culture, values, attitudes, beliefs, etc).

In this chapter there is a distinct binary opposition which is embedded for the reader to view the Ibo tribe. The binary opposition is between men and women as the Ibo believe that if you are male you should convey masculinity as if you are female you should display femininity.

2. How does the author position you to view the individual characters? (Focus only on those characters who are essential to the plot).

Okonkwo

In the beginning of the chapter, Okonkwo is depressed due to the death of Ikemefuna. During this period, he is isolated alone for a few days. “How can a man who has killed five men in battle fall to pieces because he has added a boy to their number? Okonkwo, you have become a woman indeed.” (pg 47). The author positions the reader to view Okonkwo as one who always believes that men are the dominant gender rather than women. Also identifies that women have weak abilities and characteristics.

Ezinma

Is viewed as a source of comfort to Okonkwo. Because she understands him, she does not address his sorrow directly; rather, she urges him to eat. Enzinma is his favourite child. Okonkwo’s frequently voiced desire that Enzinma were a boy seems to suggest that he secretly desires attachment with his actual sons, although he avoids admitting as much because he fears affection as a weakness. Enzinma which also exhibits desirable masculine traits.

3. How does the author position you to view men?

In this chapter the audience is positioned is positioned to view men as trying to act very masculine. The Ibo men believe that is feminine to show emotion and not to show they are weak.

4. How does the author position you to view women? Women are seen as quite inferior and are the ones with very vulnerable qualities and are weak. As Okonkwo associates weakness with femininity.

5. What are the similarities and differences between the two chapters and what impact has this had on your understanding of the story and the overall invited reading?

There aren’t any similarities between the two chapters, except for fact that men are of a higher status compared to women. However this chapter only refers to the Ibo tribe and not the Europeans. Whilst this chapter is only about the Ibo tribe, and their respect for men and women. Men and women are seen as completely different people with different traits, which is the only similarity to the 25th chapter.