Week 6 Syllabus: December 2
OKONKWO IS CONSUMED BY MASCULINITY AND PROVING himself as strong. He is not necessarily a bad man because he doesn’t understand the important role women play in Umofia, or that he’s impatient with cultural activities or stories he deems “unmanly” or feminine. But it is a short-coming in his character. The mythic stories that Nwoye’s mother tells him have cultural importance beyond what Okonkwo understands. That Nwoye prefers these tales over Okonkwo’s violent, bloody tales of conquest and war does not make him less of a person in Umofia, but Okonkwo does think less of him as a son. Thus, Okonkwo’s preference for Ikemefuna, his “adopted” son, and his daughter Ezinma by his second wife, Ekwefi, who seemingly acts more masculine that Nwoye.
MONDAY, December 2
Today we’re looking into the society in which Okonkwo lives, the seven villages of Umofia, and the culture of the Ibo people.
Short lecture on the similarities between American Thanksgiving and the Ibo Festival of the Yam.
In small groups, starting with a brief return to academia, working on crossword puzzles for 5 minutes.
Completing a new google sheet, this one analyzing chapter five for quotes revealing the nature of Ibo society (and starting to think about the role of women in Umofia.
HW: If I didn’t collect your crossword, finish it and turn it in on Wednesday. Read chapter six for homework.
WEDNESDAY, December 4
I will review my annotations on chapters five and six, pointing out Okonkwo’s fascination with masculinity and his short temper, especially in context of his daughter Ezinma, whom seems to be his favorite, despite being born female.
Notice, Cielo, as the Priestess of Agbala, also favors Ezinma. Some clear foreshadowing, here.
We will watch the contest for leadership in Marvel’s imaginary Wakanda, portrayed in Black Panther. Note the similarities with the wrestling contest in chapter six.
We will begin reading and annotating chapter seven.
HW: Read chapter seven tonight for homework.
THURSDAY, December 5
Reading chapters eight, nine and ten in class today, and annotating with the thematic questions in mind.
HW: Read chapters 11 and 12 for class on Monday.