Journal Pages

Date: Monday, June 16, 2008

Page: 27

Quote: But all he said was: "When shall I go home?"

This quote shot a pang through my heart. Ikemefuna had been taken from his home and was used a a peace offering for his father's murder of a man's wife. Him and a virgin were taken to Umuofia and there the clan would determine their fate. After three years, Ikemefuna was killed in the evil forest far after he had started calling Okonkwo father. Ikemefuna had taught Nwoye many things, and became a brother-like figure. Okonkwo had been one of the men to take Ikemefuna down with a machete. I feel this is disheartening because it reveals that some good may not prevail.

Date: Monday, June 16, 2008

Page: 38

Quote: "Who killed this tree? Or are you all deaf and dumb?"

One of Okonkwo's wives had taken a few leaves off of a tree, and he had become very angry. He beat her then left to go hunting. His wife proclaimed in the presence of others that his guns never hit targets, so he attempted to shoot her. Luckily he missed, and she lived to tell the story. This example is one of many of the injustices of women. They were not permitted to speak out or defend themselves. The men ate before the women, the women always cooked, they were forced to throw away their twins, they prepared for feasts, and their children belonged to the fathers. The lives of women in those times were horrid, and the beatings for little things were ghastly. They could have been easily killed, considering all the threats they received from their husbands.