TFA+Reflections+RachelS

Things Fall Apart Literature Circle Reflections

Reflections: After each literature circle discussion, please complete the following reflection in complete sentences on your page. (Clearly label each discussion reflection.) What were the two most interesting ideas or insights that were discussed in your group meeting today? Describe the ideas and insights in as much detail as you can, noting the ideas and connections various members came up with as well as any follow-up questions that were asked. (This reflection needs to be a paragraph in length.)

The two most interesting insights that we discussed in our group were Okonkwo's intentions for his abusive behavior and racial discrimination in his society. We discussed that Okonkwo's true intention for his violence is to hide his affection or to simply release his anger. He's not the type of person to express his fondness of someone. Therefore, he uses more violence to hide his affection. On the other hand, he might be a very high-tempered person, so he releases his anger by abusing his wives for small faults. Secondly, we discussed that Okonkwo's society is very sexist. Women are supposed to be properties of men in this society and having many wives made the men wealthy.

Reflection #2

The two most interesting ideas that we discussed today are Okonkwo's opinion on affection and his behavior towards it. He views affection as a sign of weakness, femininity, non-manliness. It's not like a strong man does not feel any affections for anyone, but Okonkwo thinks that a man who shows affection is weak and woman-like (women are also viewed as weakness). Therefore, we have discussed that he tries hard to hide his affections. He pretends that he does not care about his wives and his children, but he's actually extremely fond of Ekwefi and Ezinma. He makes four trips back and forth to the cave and his hut because he is worried about Ezinma, but he forces himself to wait before each trip. Also, when Ekwefi disappears, he goes and finds her with a machete, ready to protect his wife from danger.

Reflection #3

The most important idea that we discussed today was the comparison of Mr. Brown and Reverend Smith. We discussed how Mr. Brown is more laid-back and more unorthodox wile Reverend Smith strictly follows the Bible. Then, we talked about who might be the better reverend. Although Reverend Smith follows the bible more than Brown does, Brown is the better reverend. The goal of the Christian missionaries is to bring peace and Christianity to the village. However, Reverend Smith has brought conflict to Umuofia.

Reflection #4

The most interesting idea that we discussed today was why Okonkwo committed suicide. When he kills the messenger, the villagers don't follow his lead and start fighting, but they ask among themselves why Okonkwo has killed the white man. We thought that was when Okonkwo finally realized that the nature of his brothers has changed, which terribly disappoints him. Another reason why he might have committed suicide is because all his life, he's been aiming to gain itles, and respect from other men from the village, but he's completely lost that. He's lost everything he's been aiming for his whole life, and he's disappointed that his village can no longer go back to the time of manliness.