During this time, however, Okonkwo breaks the peace. He beats his third wife, Ojiugo, for not arriving home in time to cook his midday meal. By beating his wife, he breaks the law of the Week of Peace. Ezeani, the priest of the earth goddess, comes to punish him.
Why does Okonkwo break the law of the week of peace?
During this time, however, Okonkwo breaks the peace. He beats his third wife, Ojiugo, for not arriving home in time to cook his midday meal. By beating his wife, he breaks the law of the Week of Peace.
Who broke the sacred peace in Okonkwo's village?
It has been many years since anyone in the village of Umuofia (Okonkwo's village) broke the sacred peace, so of course that's all anyone can talk about for the rest of the week. Okonkwo was not a humble man, 'Inwardly, he was repentant.
What effect does Okonkwo's actions have on the tribe?
Individual actions can have far-reaching effects, which is why he has to make amends so the whole village doesn't suffer. The Week of Peace also represents balance, an important theme throughout the novel. By breaking the sacred peace, Okonkwo upsets the balance in the tribe, which would result in failed crops.
What is the significance of Okonkwo's wait for Ojiugo?
The significance comes from the main character, Okonkwo, and his detrimental actions. One night during the Week of Peace, Okonkwo is waiting for his youngest wife, Ojiugo, to bring him dinner. When she doesn't come, he goes to find out why.
What must Okonkwo do to make up for breaking the Week of Peace?
The priest bashes Okonkwo for violating the rules of the sacred week and possibly making the earth goddess angry. Then he gives Okonkwo instructions for righting his wrong: Okonkwo must bring a sacrifice to the goddess's shrine.
What is the Week of Peace things fall apart?
One of the events they observe, as described by Chinua Achebe in Things Fall Apart, is the Week of Peace. The Week of Peace is the week right before the yams are planted every year. During this week, no one is allowed even so much as a harsh word. Everyone is supposed to be completely peaceful with everyone else.
What happens when Okonkwo breaks the week of peace?
When Ojiugo returns, Okonkwo beats her severely. Even when he is reminded of the ban on violence, he doesn't stop the beating. Because Okonkwo's violation of peace can jeopardize the whole village's crops, the priest of the earth goddess orders Okonkwo to make offerings at his shrine.
Who broke the Week of Peace in Things Fall Apart?
One of the villagers, Okonkwo breaks the tradition when he beats his wife for leaving the hut before having cooked dinner. He gets punished for breaking this ''Week of Peace'' (2006; 17).
What was Okonkwo's punishment?
Killing a clansman is a crime against the earth goddess, so Okonkwo must atone by taking his family into exile for seven years.
What happens in chapter 8 of Things Fall Apart?
Summary: Chapter 8 Okonkwo sinks into a depression. He feels weak, and he cannot sleep or eat. When Ezinma brings him his evening meal three days later, she tells him that he must finish everything.
What happens in chapter 7 of Things Fall Apart?
The seventh chapter of Things Fall Apart jumps three years ahead to describe the death of Ikemefuna, who is sentenced to die by the Umuofian oracle. The death saddens Okonkwo and changes Nwoye, who had tried to act more like his father desired, but comes to believe that the village's cultural practices aren't proper.
Why does Okonkwo forget the week of peace?
Because his third wife has gone off to plait her hair and doesn't have the afternoon meal ready, Okonkwo forgets it is the sacred Week of Peace and beats her. The village is shocked, and the priest commands him to make amends with offerings to the earth goddess, in hopes she will not punish the village.
What is the significance of Okonkwo's actions during the week of peace?
Basically, the village as a whole is far more important than any individual, even one as important as Okonkwo. His actions during the Week of Peace would affect not only his crops, but those of the entire village. Individual actions can have far-reaching effects, which is why he has to make amends so the whole village doesn't suffer.
Why does Okonkwo break the sacred peace?
By breaking the sacred peace, Okonkwo upsets the balance in the tribe, which would result in failed crops.
How does Okonkwo affect the village?
Another pattern is balance. Okonkwo upsets the balance several times throughout the novel , including during the Week of Peace. Each time he must make amends and restore the balance.
What does Okonkwo have to take to the temple?
Okonkwo is commanded to make amends. He has to take a goat, a hen, some cloth, and a hundred cowries to the earth goddess' temple. Cowries are a type of shell, and the main currency in the society.
How long is Okonkwo banished?
This happens again when Okonkwo accidentally kills a clansman and is then banished for seven years. It doesn't matter that it was an accident. It upset the balance, and he still has to pay for the crime, regardless of his intentions. In some ways, the Week of Peace foreshadows Okonkwo's future troubles.
What is the week of peace in Igbo society?
The Week of Peace is the week right before the yams are planted every year. During this week, no one is allowed even so much as a harsh word. Everyone is supposed to be completely peaceful with everyone else.