TFA+Reflections+John


 * 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.

Discussion #1 reflection (chpt. 3-6):

An interesting idea that was discussed was the effects of society. It came up during our discussion that society has affected Okonkwo to be very angry and ill-tempered. He was angry at the fact that he had a very hard beginning when he was young due to lack of work done by his father. I first believed that Okonkwo was only angry at his father, but the society could have had an effect on him. He started working very hard when he was young. Even though he became a successful man, he still had anger towards the unfair society that made him work at a young age. Also, we discussed about the inner side of Okonkwo. Through this section Okonkwo is shown to have warm feelings, but never shows it. Okonkwo can actually be very nice, but he has his reputation of being strong that he cannot show his true feelings to others.

Discussion #2 reflection (chpt. 7-13)

The idea came up that does the Oracle of the Hills and Caves make the rules of Igbo society. It was interesting because people of Igbo follow the decisions or requests made by the Oracle. An example is the killing of Ikemefuna. No one knows the reason for killing Ikemefuna, but they still killed him. I don't think that the actions are not justified if and only if the laws were created by the Oracle. Some of these actions did not want to be carried out, but had to be carried out in order to not disgrace their ancestors. Justifiable actions and decisions were interesting. Also, sexual discrimination was interesting. The way I read these events about women being less powerful than the men was that it was traditional. However, comparing it with modern day society, it is sexual discrimination. This can be considered the neutral element of Igbo if it was traditional. However, looking from a modern man point of view, it can be the negative element of Igbo as well.

Discussion #3 reflection (chpt. 14-22)

The fact that Okonkwo never changed throughout most of the book was an interesting fact. Since the beginning of the book to chpt. 22, Okonkwo valued power, and worked hard to keep a good, strong reputation. He never shows his true emotions in public, but keeps them inside his heart. All we see is new characteristics of Okonkwo, but not a change in his characteristics. He is a flat character that shows a same traits throughout most of the book. In addition, an idea came up about the colonization being conflicted with the teachings of the bible. It depends mostly on the perspective, as the way of thinking and viewing certain things change from person to person, and also by the side looking at the scene.

Discussion #4 reflection (chpt. 23-25)

Why did Okonkwo kill himself? This was one of the interesting questions that came up from reading the last three chapters. We believe that it was that shame or disappointment he got from himself and Umuofia. He could not do anything when he was imprisoned, and had to give in to the requests made by the white men. Also, when he did take action and killed a white man, Umuofia did not follow him. He felt that he was not respected in the society as he used to be, and saw that Umuofia changed during his 7 year exile. The disappointment has led him to commit suicide. Also, the Commissioner's book, "The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger" was interesting. The tribes were not primitive because they have been able to organize and run the clans very wisely. I think I and my whole group were good discussion participants. I always had my book, and I was prepared for the discussion. I have not been able to ask questions, but I always commented on the ideas said by other members of my group. I listened attentively while other group members were talking, and I expressed my opinion most of the time.