Answer the following questions with a well structured paragraph. Use concise language with appropriate grammar and word choice. Your responses should be between 4-6 sentences and you must incorporate a quote into your writing. This means, you cannot simply stick in a quote, you must make it gel with your own writing.
DUE:
A BLOCK: WEDNESDAY, 10/20 by 11:59 PM
B BLOCK: THURSDAY, 10/21 by 11:59 PM
1. Do you believe the author used this description of the trial to represent order and justice? Or was it intended as a mockery of native customs?
2. What similarities did you find between the justice system you are familiar with and the one depicted in the novel?
3. What do you think the story of the Tortoise and the birds symbolizes? Knowing that foreigners are soon to arrive, do you think this story might symbolize their future relations?
1: I do not think that Chinua Achebe would try to mock the native customs of Africa. It is much more likely that he just wanted to show us readers the importance of what trials were in those days in those times. It seems to me that Achebe deeply respected these customes, and creates a character that also does, from his heart "'Dont you know what kind of man Uzowulu is? He will not listen to any other decision,' replied the other" (Achebe 94).
ReplyDelete2: One aspect that I thought was practicly the same, was the custom of having two people or sides, who would each defend themselves or accuse the other until something was figured out by the judge/egwugwu. I personally believe that this is quite a fair way of doing things "'We have heard both sides of the case,' said Evil Forest. 'Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute'" (Achebe 93).
3: Basically in the story of the Tortoise and the birds, Tortoise was a very untrustworthy companion that tricked the birds by saying that he was helping them, only to let them down and serve himself "And so Tortoise ate the best part of the food and then drank two pots of palm-wine, so that he was full of food and drink and his body filled out in his shell" (Achebe 98). I can predict that the foreigners will be very similar to Tortoise when they come to Africa, feigning help but then just serving themselves selfishly.
Kiran Dixit A4
1) Rather then mocking the African customs, I think that Achebe was acknowledging them. Since the situation is about to change with the coming of white people, I think he was cherishing the importance of the original customs of the land. "'Don't you know the kind of man Uzowulu is? He will not listen to any other decision,'" (Achebe 94). This demonstrates how important this ceremony was in that day.
ReplyDelete2) In my perspective, both methods of justice are similar. The two opposing sides are both allowed to state their cases, but the ultimate decision is left to a council. Also, the egwugwu had the same amount of respect that a judge in a courthouse in a western world would have. "'How can I know you, father? You are beyond our knowledge,' Uzowulu replied" (Achebe 93). This demonstrates the respect that the public had for the egwugwo.
3) The story of the Tortoise and the birds resembles the colonization of white people in Africa quite well. When foreigners settled in Africa, first they claimed what they wanted for them selves, and then offered what little was left to the Africans. "'The birds gathered round to eat what was left and to peck at the bones he had thrown all around the floor...'" (Achebe 98). What the Tortoise did to the birds in the story is exactly what colonizers of Africa did to the Africans.
Daniel Snow B1
1. Do you believe the author used this description of the trial to represent order and justice? Or was it intended as a mockery of native customs?
ReplyDeleteI believe that the author describes how the Nigerians handle problems between villagers in a place where they do not have any centralized power like a government. "And when, as on that day, nine of the greatest masked spirits in the clan came out together it was a terrifying spectacle" (Achebe 89). In a distinctive way of conducting a trial, it demonstrates the way people of Umofia bring justice, which has a strong bond with their local religion. They do not think people in the present should be the one to decide one’s order but the wise and strong spirits and the ancestors should be the one to decide one’s punishment. Thus Achebe’s message in this trial scene is that the difference in how people in the book and us in the modern days justify matters.
2. What similarities did you find between the justice system you are familiar with and the one depicted in the novel?
One of the scenes described the moment where the nine masked spirits went to their house to consult and bring a decision on the trial. "The nine egwugwu then went away to consult together in their house" (Achebe 92). The fact that the trial involves nine members of juries who will then give an answer to that problem reminded me of how trials in the States worked. With numbers of juries to decide rather he or she is guilty or not was very similar.
3. What do you think the story of the Tortoise and the birds symbolizes? Knowing that foreigners are soon to arrive, do you think this story might symbolize their future relations?
The story of the Tortoise definitely symbolizes the future relations with the white people who will be soon arriving. "Their hosts took him as the king of the birds, especially as he looked somewhat different from the others" (Achebe 98). With the technology they have, the white people will be stepping in to the land of Africa with a good approach and acting as if the Europeans came to Africa to be come friends and share their knowledge. Eventually the Europeans will be acting like they are the king who will be ruling all the Africans and Africans will also look at them the same way as if the white people are kings.
1. I don't think the author wanted to mock them, but I think he wanted to show us a lots of things about life in Africa, such as culture, gender, religions, and others. I think Achebe wanted us to know how native African culture was tuff and it was dangerous, because people die easily. I think Achebe respects those survival situation and take it as justice. "'I will come with you, too' Ekwefi said firmly" (Achebe 101). This quote shows the spirit of Ekwefi's justice to save her own daughter.
ReplyDelete2. I think when Okonkwo and Ekwefi tried to help Ezinma from he Agbala, they cared about their daughter and even the wife tried to fight with them. It is familiar with our life to care about our family, so the parents support their children. "... she swore within her that if she heard Ezinma cry she would rush to the cave and defend her against all of the gods in the world" (Achebe 92). This quote shows that Ekwefi went to save her daughter by exchanging with her life.
3. I think the story about the Tortoise and the birds reminded me about the foreigners who went to Africa and colonized Africa. Because the Tortoise did the same thing as the colonists; he ate all the good parts of the bird's foods and gave them the left overs from Tortoise, by pretending to be a good guy. "'Tortoisehad a sweet tongue, and within a short time all the birds agreed that he was a changed man, and they each gave him a feather" (Achebe 97). At first, colonists from foreign country was nice as well, but began to use the native Africans as slaves.
Kei Saya Datwani
ReplyDeleteA4 World Literature
1. I do not think author the Achebe tried to mock the African custom. Instead author tried to show what kind of custom African society had. Also author wanted us to understand how people in Umofia lived. “Go home and sleep,” said Okonkwo. I shall wait here.” “I shall wait too. It is almost dawn. The first cock has crowed.” (Achebe 108). This quote shows the justice of Okonkwo to soothe and keep Ekwefi safe.
2. The justice system that this novel has and system that I’m familiar with is almost same. When Ezinma was taken by Chelo, Ekwefi was really worried about her. So when Ezinma was about to take by Chielo, Ekwefi said “I will come with you, too” (Achebe 101). This quote shows how much Ekwefi loves Ezinma. Also Okokwo was worried about Ekwefi so he went to cave and found her. Therefore in my real life and in this novel how much we care about our family is same.
3. This story symbolizes the white people coming to Africa and messing the African custom, and change the way of society. For example, “The custom here is to serve the spokesman first and the others later. They will serve you when I have eaten.” (Achebe 98). This quote shows how Tortoise imposed his custom to other birds and made the feel angry. Also this story shows what will happen when white people come over to Africa, because white people has different thinking from African, and when way of thinking doesn’t match there will be conflict.
1) I don’t think he used the description to mock native customs. I think Achebe just simply wanted to show the readers that these customs were happening in real. He wanted to introduce the gender relation and beliefs that were followed in Umuofia and that people deeply respected them. “And when, as on that day, nine of the greatest masked spirits in the clan came out together it was a terrifying spectacle” (Achebe 89). The trial demonstrates how people brought justice and righteousness.
ReplyDelete2) The justice system is quite similar. The council always makes the final decision. “’Your words are good,” said the leader of the egwugwu. “Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good”’ (Achebe 91). The council doesn’t accuse certain person but carefully listens to it and fairly judges. The public depends on the council like how we rely the final decision to the presidents.
3) The story of the Tortoise reminded me of the white people coming to Africa and starts to colonize as well as changing the African customs. “’Tortoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all the birds agreed that he was a changed man, and they each gave him a feather, with which he made tow wings” (Achebe 97). Tortoise deceived the birds that he has become a better man. This resembles to the colonists who came to Africa. They were being nice and reliable at the beginning but they end up bringing conflicts.
Farah Okada B1
Not because Chinua Achebe wanted to mock the native custom of Africa, but used the description of the trials to give the readers some knowledge and to introduce us to their culture. Achebe, I think, is a person who truly respects the custom/ culture of ancient Africa; therefore he included some scenes which clearly depicted the lives of the native Africans. The trial shows the readers how the nine villages of Umuofia tried to maintain peace by being just, having equalities of rights; the nine villages all had one leader of the egwugue, “each of the nine egwugwu represented a village of the clan” (Achebe 89).
ReplyDeleteThe similarities I found between the “court system” of Umofia and what I am familiar with is that there always is two sides having a conflict and people who are not related to the conflict joins in the debate so that the result will be just. For instance, I think that the nine egwugue can be represented as the juries that exist today in the world. In Japan six juries joins in court so that people will be able to view the conflict as an outsider of the conflict so that we will be able to have a result that is reasonable, and just. “The nine egwugwu then went away to consult together in their house” (Achebe 92). In Umofia, similar to other countries with juridical system, the egwugwus sat together and discussed until everyone agreed that the result of the trial is just.
Achebe did not just include the fairytale of the relationship between the tortoise and the bird, not just to entertain us but had some meaning. This was done as a foreshadowing action, to give us a clue how the relationship of the Africans and the British will be like. At first, the outsiders will follow the original rules of the place where they have moved into, but later, that condition will change. If the natives allow the outsiders to do what they want to do, they will slowly change into a “monster”. They will slowly start refusing to follow the rules and push out the natives out of their territories. “Tortoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all birds agreed that he was a changed man” (Achebe 97). People can act nicely for a short period of time and people might be able to gain trust just in a short periods of time, but even if you completely trust the “changed man” he might change his attitude after a while. And this is probably the moral lesson Achebe wanted to give us.
Saya Shimoyama B2
Taiga Kuroiwa
ReplyDelete1.) I think Chinua Achebe wrote this book down for a mockery of native customs. In our developed side's world, the gender problem, skin color problem, and religion/tradition are more organized. Even though the tribes don't have technologies, their philosophy and common sence are inferior. "'And these white men, they say, have no toes'"(Achebe 74). From this quote, it is as clear as watching fire, that they don't believe that the white people are not human.
2)"'Yes, Umoufia has decided to kill him(Ikemefuna). The Oracle of the Hills and the Caves has pronounced it.'"(Achebe 57). Our system is not exactly same as their system, although in Japan, if you don't have citizenship and live Japan for more than 20 years, foreigners are not allowed to participate for voting.It is true that both system can't trust outsiders fully. As a result, Ikemefuna was killed, and I think Mr.Ratzliff can't vote yet.
3)I think the story of the Tortoise and the birds symbolize a relationship between people of Umoufia and the "white people." The Tortoise is the people of Umoufia and the birds are the white people. "And there he stood in his hard shell full of food and wine but without any wings to fly home."(Achebe 99). In my imagination, I can see that people of Umoufia tried to join into the birds and at the end, the birds get enrage and take all the "life" of Umoufia.
1) I believe that Chinua Achebe used this description of the trial to represent a mockery of the native customs. People in Umuofia are insulting other cultures. For example, people in Umuofia described white people as things. In page 74, Obierika and Machi called white people as toes. “And these white men, they say, have no toes.” However, people these days use fewer stereotypical ideas.
ReplyDelete2) I can find similarities with the novel’s idea and other aspects. These days, foreigners are discriminated. Even thought the citizen of Vanuatu is taken to prison in other country, for example, the government of Vanuatu can’t do anything about it. In addition, the citizen of Vanuatu could be executed, just like Ikemefuna.
3) The story of the Tortouse and the birds gives me images of white people invading Africa. “Parrot promised to deliver the message, and then flew away…” (Achebe 99). These words make me think of one representative of missionaries traveling to Africa to spread the words. When missionaries are sent to other countries, usually people adopt their ideas and cultures change. I think the culture in Umuofia will change soon.
1) I think the author is not trying to protray mokery to the native. i think he is just to express a persons action, by when he's powerfull and how he treated people. The Author characterized Okwonkwo, as his main character who is strong, treated people women badly and have also a side of sensitivity. I think the way he tried to represented Okwonkwo might had gave the generalization of the African characterization.
ReplyDelete2) "" We had heard both sides of the case," said Evil Forest" (Achebe 93). From founding this quote, it sounded like the sound in a court situation, because both sides have the right to prosecute and defense. And after watching alot of court T.V. shows, it sounded like something that the jury would say.
3) Tortoise and the birds story sounded like the realtionship between the white people and African." at last the great day came and Tortoise was to arrive at meeting place" (Achebe 97). This quote is abit vague,but it sounded like tortoise are exited that white people are coming. But after the white people came, they asked the african weather they would like to be a slave to them, making the quote bitter for Tortoise because he's expetation is different than the outcome.
1. When I was reading chapter ten, which mentions about the trial I couldn't find any mockery customs. From my perspective, I think that author was just telling a information about the trial in a regular tone. Since I haven't read furtherer than chapter eleven, I am not certain, but I predict that Achebe put this trial in the chapter to show the justification system in Africa before the white's immigration. "Each of the nine egwugwu represented a village of the clan" (Achebe 89). In this chapter, the existence of egwugwu is strongly mentioned, and I predict that the egwugwu systemis going to change.
ReplyDelete2. People justifies themselves by making their own rules, and by following those rules. By obeying their own rule, they would be justified, like what people in this novel did. Also, there is trial mentioned in this novel. In the novel, Evil Forest leads the trial, and listens for both sides' words. "'We have heared both sides of the case,' said Evil Forest" (Achebe 93). I thought that this kind of trial system parallels to this real world.
3. I think the tortoise symbolizes the foreigners which suddenly jumps into the africa, and take all good resources. "'he was soon chosen as the man to speak for the party because he was a good orator'" (Achebe 97) "''You remember that my name is All of you. The custom here is to serve the spokesman first and the others later. They will serve you when I have eaten" (Achebe 98). The foreigners are obviously smarter than Africans like in this story, and is a good orator as a tortoise. They tricks Africans from their knowledge. "'The birds gather round to eat what was left and to peck at the bones he had thrown all about the floor" (Achebe 98). All the profit goes to the foreigners, and africans gets the left overs like the birds.
1) I do not think that Chinua Achebe was trying to mock the native custom. I think that he was trying to tell us how they lived in Umiofia and how they followed the rules (religion, town rules). Though I also think that he was trying to tell us that people followed orders than justice because back then people did what they were ordered to do so they would protect themselves but somehow even if you did do the orders or do justice you end up hurt. For example in this quote “ “Answer the question at once” roared Okonkwo, who stood beside her (81 Achebe).” You can tell by reading that line you hear that threating voice in Okonkwo that if you don’t do what he tells you there will be consequences.
ReplyDelete2) One similarity I know between justice and in the book is that in both of them you follow in what you believe for example in the book one quote said "... she swore within her that if she heard Ezinma cry she would rush to the cave and defend her against all of the gods in the world (Achebe 92)." In that quote you know how just how much she loves Ezinma and what she believes in is to defend her from all against the gods in the world from anything harming her.
3) I think that the Tortoise and the birds symbolizes the foreigners ( white people) coming to Africa and them starting to change Africa and take things from Africa. Also that the Tortoise are the same as the foreigners ( white people)though he did the a different way he pretended to them that he is the good guy.
1.I don’t believe the author wasn’t trying to mock the native customs. Chinua Achebe really respected his people’s trail of justice and believe it’s the right thing, it was very important to his people. He wanted to share his people’s way to find justice with the reader. “He sat down again and called two witnesses. They were both Uzowulu’s neighbors, and they agreed about the beating” (Achebe 92).
ReplyDelete2.The idea of the justice system is being used in many cultures around the world. For example, in USA, there are court rooms and judges all over. The judge will decide through proves or accuse to each other. Each place has different ways but they all have the same purpose as each other, to find justice and make their country a more better to live. “Uzowulu stepped forward and presented his case” (Achebe 90).
3.Tortoise and the bird have a connection between the relationship between African and the white people. “’Tortoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all the bird agreed that he was changed man, and they each gave him a feather, with which he made two wings’” (Achebe 97). A lot of the foreigner came to Africa and started to talk to the African people for letting them build things there. Same as the story, the white people sweet talk the African so they would fall for it, but they don’t know the consequence if something goes wrong and it won’t be troubling the white people but it will be towards the African people.
A4
1. I never thought of the author mocking the tribe while reading this chapter, because the fact that the village would even conduct a ceremony of order and justice including women changed a part of my original assumption of it. I thought that in Umuofia, women were so low ranked that they had no rights and absolutely no chance in winning their husbands in disputes. However, this chapter showed that they actually can but with the help of male relatives.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, this chapter also showed the blind faiths of African tribes, who believed that the 9 egwugwu were the clan’s ancestral spirits. They even spotted Okonkwo among the men, "but if they thought these things they kept them within themselves." (Achebe 90). Although deep inside, people knew that they weren't real ancestral spirits, they did not dare admit it which might have been Achebe's intension to mock their superstitious native customs.
2. This whole ceremony that was held in the village to settle disputes were surprising similar to the court system we have today. Both had judges-egwugwu-to decide the final consequence of either one side of the party, and both groups were allowed to defend themselves with small speeches. What was good about the whole system was that it was actually just, and women had equal chances to win. The egwugwus claim that their "..duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute'" (Achebe 93), which I thought was quite fair.
3. I think the tortoise in the story symbolizes the foreigners that are surely to come in the future. I predict that at first the Africans will rebel, but just like in the story, “Tortoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all birds agreed that he was a changed man” (Achebe 97), foreigners will eventually make their way into the village. They will most likely invade and change the original culture and customs so that it will end up like the story where "Tortoise ate the best part of the food and then drank two pots of palm-wine, so that he was full of food and drink and his body filled out in his shell" (Achebe 98), and Okonkwo and his people will be left with nothing in return and no power.
1. I believe that the author, Achebe was not mocking them. I think his purpose was to let the readers know the African culture, religious beliefs, style of social ranks, etc. Although, there are some parts that talks negative about the “white men”, where they say, “... they say, have no toes” (Achebe 74). But I don’t think it is something to tell a negative view of Africans, it is just letting the readers know how they think about the “white men” and the reason they do is because they live different style of life and have different skin colour. It does not really say that the Africans are bad or anything.
ReplyDelete2. I feel familiar with the point where the adults really think about their children. In this novel, their parents’ wishes that their children would grow into a proper man or woman, and listen to their parents, worry about their future, and take care of them, etc. Just like our parents always work hard for us so we can attend to a better school, attend to a college, spent a happy, and fun times while you are a child, etc. “He wanted Nwoye to grow into a tough man capable of ruling his father’s household when he was dead and gone to join the ancestors” (Achebe 52). It is always true and usual that the parents’ wishes the best for their children.
3. I think the Tortoise and the birds’ stories are symbolizing the “whites” and the “Africans”. I think this is telling about the knowledge and how clever the whites are, they come to Africa for short period of time and disappear with a culture, or a new knowledge that they have gotten from Africa, and try to spread it around and sound cool in other place. “Tortoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all the birds agreed that he was a changed man, and they each gave him a feather, with which he made two wings”. This quotes definitely shows the knowledge that is been taken away , and cleverness that made the birds do them for Tortoise.
1. Author did not intended to mock the native customs of the trial. My opinion is that Achebe wanted to present the native's trial customs and introduce to the readers. I believe that Achebe himself is from Africa, and I think he knows about native's customs, and there are people that does not have any ideas about native's customs. By adding some native's customs, the readers might get interested. "Each of the nine egwugwu represented a village of the clan. Their leader was called Evil Forest" (Achebe 89). The trial in the native customs, each leaders from the nine villages were like the jury, which were the one that judged and handed down a decision. Rather representing order and justice, it was for the readers to get some idea of the native customs.
ReplyDelete2. One bit similarity that I found in the novel was that there were egwugwu, which was probably jury in the present day. The egwugwu were the jury who handed down the decision, whether the other is guilty or not. "The nine egwugwu then went away to consult together in their house" (Achebe 92). I do not know much about the jury in America, but I think it is the same in America and Japan, and once they hear both sides arguments, they decide the punishment. Also there are two sides where they defend themselves. Although in the justice system that I know, there are lawyer and prosecutor, which they defend their people.
3. The story of the tortoise and the birds is a foreshadowing of what will going to happen to the Natives. " 'I am a changed man. I have learned that a man who makes trouble for others is also making it for himself' " (Achebe 97) and, " 'Tortoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all the birds agreed that he was a changed man, and they each gave him a feather, with which he made two wings' " (Achebe 97). The tortoise is the British that comes later in the novel and the birds are the Natives. As the story says, the British have a sweet tongue and diffuse into the culture, but then actually they were waiting for a certain time that they can control over the Natives. I am not sure whether the Natives can escape from the British like in the story, the birds did not listen to what the tortoise said and the shell broke into pieces. The story of the Tortoise and the birds definitely symbolizes the future of the Natives.
Risa Yamada B2
I am sorry, it is late.
1. I do not think that the author was trying to mock the native custom. This is because he was just telling the story that how they live and how they follow the rules in Umuofia. “Okonkwo’s wives, and perhaps other women as well, might have noticed that the second egwugwu had the springy walk of Okonkwo. And they might also have noticed that Okonkwo was not among the title men and elders who sat behind the row of egwugwu.” (Achebe 89)
ReplyDelete2. Simillarity between the justice system that I am familiar with the one depicted in the novel is that if someone did bad thing to the person who got hurt, he has to pay a lot of money. “Evil Forest began to speak and all the while he spoke everyone was silent.” (Achebe 93) This quote shows that how nervous atmosphere there were.
3. This story of Tortoise and the birds is represented about the life of the white and black people. “When everything had been set before the guests, one of the people if the sky came forward and tasted a little from each pot. He then invited the birds to eat. But Tortoise jumped to his feet and asked: ‘For whom have you prepared this feast?’” (Achebe 98) this quote shows that how greedy the Tortoise is.
1. I don't think Achebe was trying to mock those Africa culture. He was trying to tell us about diffrent culture between them and us by showing us the progress of trial. They had their own cultural system to keep order and justice. And sometimes, eventhough it looks weird and abit off to us, it was their own way to do it. "And when, as on that day, nine of the greatest masked spirits in the clan came out together it was a terrifying spectacle"(Achebe 89).
ReplyDelete2. Though the punishment of the trial is abit different, there were some similar processes between our justice system and their justice system. They had law, and they followed it under 'equality'. "'We have heard both sides of the case,' said Evil Forest. 'Out duty i not to blame this man or to praise that,but to settle the dispute,'"(Achebe 93).
The tortoise and birds story is pretty much similar as the situation that Africans will suffer by White people. At first, white people came into Africa with a sweet tongue, as like tortise. "'Tortoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all the birds agreed that he was a changed man, and they each gavehim a feather, with which hemade two wings"(Achebe 97). The feather in the quote, symbolize the good things that white people took from Africa.
I don't think the author intended to mock the native custom. The author was simply just trying to show their culture and their system. "Each of the nine egwugwu represented a village of the clan." (Achebe 89) The discription fo the trial simply introduces the beliefs and culture which they had.
ReplyDeleteI found some familiar parts in the justice system shown in this village. "We have heard both sides of the case," (Achebe 93) Like the system i know, both sides were allowed to talk and explain to defence their selves. Also like the modern system, final decision was made by the judge.
The story of the turtoise and the bird foreshadow the coming of the foreigners. Turtoise symbolizes the foreigners and birds as the Africans. "Turtoise had a sweet tongue, and within a short time all the birds agreed that he was a changed man, and they each gave hima a feather, with which he made two wings." (Achebe 97) It shows what is going to happen from now on. By reading the story of turtoise and the bird, we can tell that British will coming in soon and will treat the villagers badly. "Turtoise ate the best part of the food and then drank two pots of palm-wine"(Achebe 98) In the story, Tortoise tricked the birds to bring him there and took all the good parts from the birds.