miércoles, 24 de abril de 2013
Quotes
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you love life, don't waste time, for time is what life is made up of.
- Bruce Lee
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.
- Albert Camus
I think, therfore i am (cogito ergo sum)
- Rene Descartes
As you think, so shall you become.
- Bruce Lee
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one least traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost (The Road Not Taken)
A combination of these quotes are what motivates me to go on, to take the road least travelled by and be myself. To pursue my hoals in life, to think about who I am and who I want to be. A very important part of me is my desperate need to do things that are out of the ordinary, unique, or just something new.
The first two quotes and the last one express how I try to be something else, be myself, unique and recognizable for just being. The road I take is my own, it has never been treaded before, and that is part of what I seek in life. The third quote explains my perception of other people. Even though sometimes one must lead, and sometimes one must follow, paralell roads are also sometimes what we need, just a friend along the way.
The fourth and fifth quotes are part of my personality, they are linked to who I am. Creative, innovative, imaginative and everything that is part of me now. All this defines me, and will keep on shaping me in the future. My ideas are seeds, and the fruits of success and satisfaction I harvest bring me happiness.
Also, the last quote is from a poem by the great Robert Frost, one of my favourite (if not my favourite) poets ever. He has been a source of inspiration and meaning for both me and my grandfather, also a connection between us, one that is tremendously valuable.
lunes, 15 de abril de 2013
Summary of Part 3
Part 3 of the book is basiaclly all that happens that has to do with Okonkwo right after he returns to Umuofia. His perception of the tribe, how the tribe has changed, how the white man has affected it, what happens to his family, and eventually, what happens to him in the end. We understand that the "Things fall apart" phrase not only refers to what happens to Okonkwo in his life, but also how the traditional Igbo culture is absolutely vandalized and corrupted by the arrival and interests of the white man. These are summaries of the chapters:
20
After his exile, okonkwo lost his titles. This affected him deeply in his ego, because he wanted to be someone important. All the same, when he returned he was treated with respect and admiration in Umuofia. He convinces Ezinma not to marry yet because he wanted his son in law to be rich, powerful and with titles, for he would only approve of that. In the meantime, the white men have brought lots of changes, such as the fact that their presence was more of a government than a visit. They were a whole society that was working against the tribes traditions, and this angered Okonkwo, Obierika and others. They wanted to kick them out, make them leave, for they were only causing bad things to happen.
21
Akumma explains to Mr. Brown that the fetiches and symbols that they have are more of messengers and servants than gods themselves. Being servers of the gods, they want to represent their adoration for the one god through those messengers idols. At the same time, Nwoye has changed his name to a christian one, Isaac. He is studying to be a teacher. Mr. Brown visits Okonkwo to tell him this, and Okonkwo is extremely mad. He chases him off with threats of killing him if he returned. Okonkwo is grieved by the happenings in Umuofia and how the place has changed because it is no longer the tribe of strong men that he remembered and was part of. He sees tham all as weak and cowards, and wishes to change that.
22
Literally it meant that in a dace, the drums were played to the dancers rhythim, not the other way around. It is a metaphor used to explain how everything was going in the way that Reverend Smith wanted. In Umuofia, the greatest crimes are attacking godly representations such as the sacred python or the egwuwu and committing suicide, both of which are performed in this book. Enoch specifically unmasks an egwuwu, who the next day gathers the rest and burns down Enoch's compound. Enoch unmasked the egwuwu to try to prove that they are no more than human like them, not spirits or anything above, insulting the tribe's beliefs. Mr Smith wishes to eliminate the pagan religions that these men hold, but the passive way. On the other hand, the religious fanatics who are below him keeps on directly attacking the culture and religion, and so Ajofia (along with others) convinces the people to attack back, and cleanse the tribe from Enoch's sins by burning down the church. Mr. Smith tries to avoid it, and is burnt down alongside it.
23
After the burning of the church, the commissioner was furious. He wanted revenge on the clansmen, but he wanted to do it in a smart way. He was convincing and condescending, trying to discuss the church burning "as friends". On page 193 the term "sweet tongue" is used. It means that he was using “sweet” words, convincing words to create a positive reaction, to convince the people to do what he wants. Soon, the ambush is in action and soldiers arrive, taking them all to jail. When the clansmen were imprisoned they were treated in a terrible manner, being whipped and ridiculed, almost like animals. The prisioners were released by a bail of two hundred cowries that the tribe had to pay to release the councilmembers, which they eventually do.
24
After the burning of the church, the commissioner was furious. He wanted revenge on the clansmen, but he wanted to do it in a smart way. He was convincing and condescending, trying to discuss the church burning "as friends". On page 193 the term "sweet tongue" is used. It means that he was using “sweet” words, convincing words to create a positive reaction, to convince the people to do what he wants. Soon, the ambush is in action and soldiers arrive, taking them all to jail. When the clansmen were imprisoned they were treated in a terrible manner, being whipped and ridiculed, almost like animals. The prisioners were released by a bail of two hundred cowries that the tribe had to pay to release the councilmembers, which they eventually do.
24
Okonkwo is looking for war, anxious for it to happen, and goes to the tribe reunion in full war garments, meant to inspire the rest of the tribe to take military action. When the reunion begins, Okonkwo tries to convince the people to attack, to do something about the white man. When two messengers arrive, Okonkwo kills one, and understanding that his clan, now weak in his eyes, shall not go to war, he left.
25
The District Comissioner looks for Okonkwo at his compund, but Obierika tells him that he is not home. He angers tha comissioner, but then asks for help if he wanted to take him to him. Okonkwo ended up performing the worst sin: killing himself. The Comissioner asks why they cannot do it themselves, and they explain that his body is evil now and that only strangers may touch it. They are not allowed to bury it, but strangers can. Obierika blames him for Okonkwo's suicide, and so the Comissioner decides to order his messengers to to the work. The commissioner’s attitude at the end of the novel (and basically all of it) is very cruel, shallow and pompous. He is writing a book called "The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger", in which he believes that Okonkwo´s death would make an interesting paragraph or two in it. He is completely inaccurate about his perception of Africa, he is racist, and makes me want to vomit.
I liked this book. It made me angry during many moments, and I thoroughly enjoyed that.
Its a 4/5 for me. Didnt captivate me, but entertained, informed and interested me.
25
The District Comissioner looks for Okonkwo at his compund, but Obierika tells him that he is not home. He angers tha comissioner, but then asks for help if he wanted to take him to him. Okonkwo ended up performing the worst sin: killing himself. The Comissioner asks why they cannot do it themselves, and they explain that his body is evil now and that only strangers may touch it. They are not allowed to bury it, but strangers can. Obierika blames him for Okonkwo's suicide, and so the Comissioner decides to order his messengers to to the work. The commissioner’s attitude at the end of the novel (and basically all of it) is very cruel, shallow and pompous. He is writing a book called "The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger", in which he believes that Okonkwo´s death would make an interesting paragraph or two in it. He is completely inaccurate about his perception of Africa, he is racist, and makes me want to vomit.
I liked this book. It made me angry during many moments, and I thoroughly enjoyed that.
Its a 4/5 for me. Didnt captivate me, but entertained, informed and interested me.
Chapters 23-25
23
After the burning of the church, the commissioner was furious. He wanted revenge on the clansmen, but he wanted to do it in a smart way. He was convincing and condescending, trying to discuss the church burning "as friends". On page 193 the term "sweet tongue" is used. It means that he was using “sweet” words, convincing words to create a positive reaction, to convince the people to do what he wants. Soon, the ambush is in action and soldiers arrive, taking them all to jail. When the clansmen were imprisoned they were treated in a terrible manner, being whipped and ridiculed, almost like animals. The prisioners were released by a bail of two hundred cowries that the tribe had to pay to release the councilmembers, which they eventually do.
24
After the burning of the church, the commissioner was furious. He wanted revenge on the clansmen, but he wanted to do it in a smart way. He was convincing and condescending, trying to discuss the church burning "as friends". On page 193 the term "sweet tongue" is used. It means that he was using “sweet” words, convincing words to create a positive reaction, to convince the people to do what he wants. Soon, the ambush is in action and soldiers arrive, taking them all to jail. When the clansmen were imprisoned they were treated in a terrible manner, being whipped and ridiculed, almost like animals. The prisioners were released by a bail of two hundred cowries that the tribe had to pay to release the councilmembers, which they eventually do.
24
Okonkwo is looking for war, anxious for it to happen, and goes to the tribe reunion in full war garments, meant to inspire the rest of the tribe to take military action. When the reunion begins, Okonkwo tries to convince the people to attack, to do something about the white man. When two messengers arrive, Okonkwo kills one, and understanding that his clan, now weak in his eyes, shall not go to war, he left.
25
The District COmissioner looks for Okonkwo at his compund, but Obierika tells him that he is not home. He angers tha comissioner, but then asks for help if he wanted to take him to him. Okonkwo ended up performing the worst sin: killing himself. The Comissioner asks why they cannot do it themselves, and they explain that his body is evil now and that only strangers may touch it. They are not allowed to bury it, but strangers can. Obierika blames him for Okonkwo's suicide, and so the Comissioner decides to order his messengers to to the work. The commissioner’s attitude at the end of the novel (and basically all of it) is very cruel, shallow and pompous. He is writing a book called "The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger", in which he believes that Okonkwo´s death would make an interesting paragraph or two in it. He is completely inaccurate about his perception of Africa, he is racist, and makes me want to vomit.
25
The District COmissioner looks for Okonkwo at his compund, but Obierika tells him that he is not home. He angers tha comissioner, but then asks for help if he wanted to take him to him. Okonkwo ended up performing the worst sin: killing himself. The Comissioner asks why they cannot do it themselves, and they explain that his body is evil now and that only strangers may touch it. They are not allowed to bury it, but strangers can. Obierika blames him for Okonkwo's suicide, and so the Comissioner decides to order his messengers to to the work. The commissioner’s attitude at the end of the novel (and basically all of it) is very cruel, shallow and pompous. He is writing a book called "The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger", in which he believes that Okonkwo´s death would make an interesting paragraph or two in it. He is completely inaccurate about his perception of Africa, he is racist, and makes me want to vomit.
Chapters 20, 21 and 22
20
After his exile, okonkwo lost his titles. This affected him deeply in his ego, because he wanted to be someone important. All the same, he was treated with respect and admiration. He convinces Ezinma not to marry yet because he wanted his son in law to be rich, powerful and with titles, for he would only approve of that. In the meantime, the white men have brought lots of changes, such as the fact that their presence was more of a government than a visit. They were a whole society that was working against the tribes traditions, and this angered Okonkwo, Obierika and others. They wanted to kick them out, make them leave, for they were only causing bad things to happen.
21
Akumma explains to Mr. Brown that the fetiches and symbols that they have are more of messengers and servants than gods themselves. Being servers of the gods, they want to represent their adoration for the one god through those messengers idols. At the same time, Nwoye has changed his name to a christian one, Isaac. He is studying to be a teacher. Mr. Brown visits Okonkwo to tell him this, and Okonkwo is extremely mad. He chases him off with threats of killing him if he returned. Okonkwo is grieved by the happenings in Umuofia and how the place has changed because it is no longer the tribe of strong men that he remembered and was part of. He sees tham all as weak and cowards, and wishes to change that.
After his exile, okonkwo lost his titles. This affected him deeply in his ego, because he wanted to be someone important. All the same, he was treated with respect and admiration. He convinces Ezinma not to marry yet because he wanted his son in law to be rich, powerful and with titles, for he would only approve of that. In the meantime, the white men have brought lots of changes, such as the fact that their presence was more of a government than a visit. They were a whole society that was working against the tribes traditions, and this angered Okonkwo, Obierika and others. They wanted to kick them out, make them leave, for they were only causing bad things to happen.
21
Akumma explains to Mr. Brown that the fetiches and symbols that they have are more of messengers and servants than gods themselves. Being servers of the gods, they want to represent their adoration for the one god through those messengers idols. At the same time, Nwoye has changed his name to a christian one, Isaac. He is studying to be a teacher. Mr. Brown visits Okonkwo to tell him this, and Okonkwo is extremely mad. He chases him off with threats of killing him if he returned. Okonkwo is grieved by the happenings in Umuofia and how the place has changed because it is no longer the tribe of strong men that he remembered and was part of. He sees tham all as weak and cowards, and wishes to change that.
22
Literally it meant that in a dace, the drums were played to the dancers rhythim, not the other way around. It is a metaphor used to explain how everything was going in the way that Reverend Smith wanted. In Umuofia, the greatest crimes are attacking godly representations such as the sacred python or the egwuwu and committing suicide, both of which are performed in this book. Enoch specifically unmasks an egwuwu, who the next day gathers the rest and burns down Enoch's compound. Enoch unmasked the egwuwu to try to prove that they are no more than human like them, not spirits or anything above, insulting the tribe's beliefs. Mr Smith wishes to eliminate the pagan religions that these men hold, but the passive way. On the other hand, the religious fanatics who are below him keeps on directly attacking the culture and religion, and so Ajofia (along with others) convinces the people to attack back, and cleanse the tribe from Enoch's sins by burning down the church. Mr. Smith tries to avoid it, and is burnt down alongside it.
Literally it meant that in a dace, the drums were played to the dancers rhythim, not the other way around. It is a metaphor used to explain how everything was going in the way that Reverend Smith wanted. In Umuofia, the greatest crimes are attacking godly representations such as the sacred python or the egwuwu and committing suicide, both of which are performed in this book. Enoch specifically unmasks an egwuwu, who the next day gathers the rest and burns down Enoch's compound. Enoch unmasked the egwuwu to try to prove that they are no more than human like them, not spirits or anything above, insulting the tribe's beliefs. Mr Smith wishes to eliminate the pagan religions that these men hold, but the passive way. On the other hand, the religious fanatics who are below him keeps on directly attacking the culture and religion, and so Ajofia (along with others) convinces the people to attack back, and cleanse the tribe from Enoch's sins by burning down the church. Mr. Smith tries to avoid it, and is burnt down alongside it.
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