Blog Post 22 - Blog Post: Tragic Hero

In many ways Things Fall Apart is considered a tragedy. Why would Achebe, taking into account the cultural context, choose to characterize Okonkwo using the tragic hero archetype?

In my opinion, I believe that Achebe characterises Okonkwo using the tragic hero archetype by portraying how he grew up in a culturally diverse society where he was given doubts about his future. As we all know, this is because Unoka has been borrowing and is in debt of yams. Consequently, when Unoka passed on, Okonkwo was left with his fathers shame and swore that he was not going to be like his father; the things his father loved, Okonkwo would hate. Looking at this significant   moment in Things Fall Apart, we can observe one of the reasons why Achebe chose to use the Antagonist of the novel to portray a heroic archetype.  This moment conveys the idea that Okonkwo grew up with the motivation of being the opposite to his father; a father that was lazy, but he wanted to be successful. However, Achebe portrayed the antagonist as a mighty hero who was self-centred, arrogant, short-tempered who displayed no emotion and who eventually hung himself. 
Based on assumption, I feel that Chinua Achebe introduced the Ibo culture with its cultural beliefs and political views to the audience to demonstrate how the community is collaborative. This is also portrayed in the events where one of the wealthiest men in the village gave yams to Okonkwo; the incentive to his success. Additionally this allows the audience to view how the community is willing to help others within the Ibo society, especially those who are self-driven. 
Okonkwo, the anatomist's death conveyed a message in regards to the Ibo's culture; specifically with the arrival of the missionaries during his arrival to the villages after his 7 year exile. I believe that okonkwo's character illustrated the fall of the Ibo culture and how they could not maintain the cultures beliefs and political views they contributed collaboratively. Okonkwo symbolises how the community within the Ibo culture could not maintain their stable and growing culture. Additionally, they could not adjust to what the missionaries had brought into their society. 

Blog Post 21- The Royal Colonial Institute Speech

Good afternoon to all members of the Royal Colonial Institute. I respectfully stand here to discuss a significant topic. This topic has been carried out throughout history; I am here today to discuss the topic of colonisation. As we all know, colonisation is defined as "the action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area." These indigenous population that has been through colonisation are the Igbo community. Colonisation by the British, allowed the Igbo culture to be altered to suit both political and religious aspects in a positive way. However, the process of colonisation is where Things Fall Apart. 
Due to the fact that cultures like the Igbo community, have developed their culture through their own political and religious beliefs; they have either own gods and their process of managing a dynamic society. Meaning that the outsiders (the British) would believe that their standpoints are more realistic and efficient when in contrast to the Igbo's standpoints; which are not seen as valid and illogical. As a supporter and a representative of the Igbo people, we had developed our culture, however, because of the British did not take into consideration that our system was stable. I agree under the circumstance that the British offered the Igbo people a 'better' way of living, though they discriminated our religious and political process. Due to the intrusive thoughts and judgements about our culture, further justifies and is evidence to how one More Economically Developed Country (MEDC) and colonise and manipulate one's developing community, for the purpose of suiting their needs for products developed in the country. You may see 'your way is the best way' however, have you taken into consideration that your knowledge of the community is not the full image? You have not only colonised the Igbo community, though you have also implemented your religious beliefs; with the understanding that it is the most logical to have only one god rather than many. These gods and the stories have been passed down from generation to generation. Our ancestors have raised us to follow these beliefs as we strive on this earth. We will not tolerate this belief as well as your guidelines. 
You imply and convey that you are the more superior and the most dominant; however, these rules give our people a disadvantage because your missionaries have has a significant impact on our society. Not only this, if we do not follow these so-called 'rules,' the Igbo people are punished. Even though power is further emphasised within the British in contrast with the Igbo community and their titles, our tribal group had an effective way of punishing those who abide by our rules. We understand the intentions although, the way you depleting what our culture consists of is damaging the way younger generations perceive themselves. They are destroying what their ethnicity is; thus illogical and unethical in regards to maintaining ones cultural heritage. Furthermore, we need to come to a conclusion whereby both parties can come together to discuss a more efficient way of collaborating without altering what is of cultural importance. 

Blog Post 20- Achebe Interview

What was the most meaningful takeaway from today’s discussion relating to the cultural or literary context of Achebe’s work?

• If writers are influenced by their context, then we will have to learn more about these contexts in order to understand their texts.
• Writers can be influenced by the times in which they live, the place in which they write or the families from which they come.
• These factors contribute to what we call the ‘context of composition’.

'Things Fall Apart' was published in 1958, two years before Nigeria achieved independence; a time period that went through full modernisation not only social but political and economic landscape of the country. Today's discussion gave me an understanding of why Achebe chose to set his novel before and even during the arrival of the colonial administration (the British). He was revealing to the audience what their cultural traditions were and how complex and pure they were towards the Ibo community yet how it transitioned into a colonised nation. 

Throughout the novel; 'Things Fall Apart', Chinua Achebe, conveys the importance of the cultural context of the Ibo community. From the beginning to the end of the book, he allows the readers to see how the western culture has changed the Ibo community, through colonisation where some have begun adapting. This means that by the British colonising the Ibo culture, the people within the Ibo community are starting to abandon their own ethnic society.

Select a specific quote from the interview or a general idea from the discussion and write a brief reflection.

"The society of Umuofia, the village in Things Fall Apart, was totally disrupted by the coming of the European government, missionary Christianity, and so on. That was not a temporary disturbance; it was a once and for all alternation of their society."

As you can see, Chinua Achebe was reflecting on the colonisation of the European government into Umuofia, stating that they were planning on staying and reshaping the village permanently. This was stated by Achebe during the interview. I believe that this had an importance because the British reshaped the community. Like said previously; they did not only reshape the culture but the political and economic landscape of the country. Meaning that it had a significant impact on the Ibo community during the colonisation; people started were unclear what was going on.

Blog Post 18- Freedom from Fear

The text presented is a speech drive in 1988 by Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma. This speech marked the starting point of her campaign against the Burmese Military Regime. The text is recognised as a Political Speech due to the political language being presented such as revolution, freedom, democracy and human right. Due to the fact that this speech was "the beginning of her staunch campaign" we can conclude that the target audience are the Burmese citizens, although the writing is very generalised, allowing the audience to be multifocal. Additionally, this is evident when she states "It is for such moral courage that he will always be loved and respected in Burma". It is agreed that even though she is presenting from a general awareness, she is still targeting the Burmese citizens by linking her father's political stance and his "worthiness as a leader". Suu Kyi wishes to achieve through persuasion in what evolution in tales of which is changing one's mindset other than only changing political policies. We can see that throughout the political speech Aung Saan Suu Kyi explains the oppressed are controlled by fear however, more importantly, she is explaining a way out; to change the "spirits" and mind set.  This analysis will focus on Aung San Suu Kyi  use of literary devices and contextual analysis.

Furthermore, Suu Kyi uses literary devices such as an allusion and repetition to grab the audience through her own perspective of the issue. At the end of the third paragraph, Suu Kyi introduces a brief reverence to Mahatma Gandhi to assist her in presenting what can be possible if Burma were to change their mindset. She also describes her father; Aung San who is known by the Burmese citizens as a nationalist hero. Even though they both have completely different personalities, they both had a common mindset in the sense that the spirit for truth and justice; of which they both strived for. Aung San Suu Kyi states " The words used by Jawaharlal Nehru to describe Mahatma Gandhi could well be applied to Aung San". This allusion is a powerful diction as it attracts the audience in understanding the importance of truth. On top of this, Suu Kyi uses ethos as she introduces Mahatma Gandhi and her own father; both known to be nationalist heroes of their time to convince the audience of her opinions. The final literary devices used by Suu Kyi is repetition where she states "Within a system which denies the existence of basic human rights, fear tends to be the order of the day. Fear of imprisonment, fear of torture, fear of death, fear of losing friends, family, property or means of livelihood, fear of poverty, fear of isolation, fear of failure." Aung San Suu Kyi is emphasising the word "fear" as it is fear that presses the people; the fear of consequences is the reason why people are afraid to stand up for truth.

The tone that Aung San Suu Kyi presents in the political speech is urgency; the tone in urgency to changes one's mindset through fearless, non-violent persuasion. She states in the 6th paragraph "Fearlessness may be a gift but perhaps more precious is the courage acquired through endeavour, courage that comes from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one's actions, courage that could be describe as 'grace under pressure' - grace which is renewed repeatedly in the face of harsh, unremitting pressure". The tone is informative and opinionated in a sense that help the audience see her own opinions from her own perspective. Though looking at it based on the content, we view this as fearlessness is not a one off instance, it is one's continued and constant believe in truth and justice.

In conclusion, we can see that Aung San Suu Kyi is following in the footsteps of her father; Aung San, who is known as a nationalist her in Burma. Her first speech in 1988 uses literary devices such as ethos, allusion and repetition to pursue and connive the target audience (Burmese citizens) to take action and stand up for truth and justice. Their beliefs can be assed as it can relief people from their fear. Through the use of inspirational, yet culturally connected events (Gandhi and her father; Aung San), Aung Suu San Kyi was able to compare their stuffs to that of another (Gandhi) that has succeeded. Hence, trying to inspire her own people's struggle to continue.

Blog Post 17- Shakespeare’s theme of power in Coriolanus

As stated in my previous blog post,  In Shakespeare's play; Coriolanus, he began presenting the political context within English during King James' Rule (1603- 1625) rather than his conventional tragedies, where Shakespeare introduces the setting of the play, in Ancient Rome. Additionally, Shakespeare illustrates the two perspectives of the characteristic of Coriolanus' King James I ways of ruling. Shakespeare utilizes the plot of Coriolanus to explore King James I's totalitarian methodology of ruling. The way Shakespeare describes the Roman society in Coriolanus is similar to the England society during this time period. 

Corresponding to this, Power is one of many themes presented in the play of which is most consistent. Due to the time period, Ancient Rome is going through the shaping of its political hierarchy. Each individual character; Coriolanus, Volumnia and Aufidius, all display a different sense of power throughout the play. Beginning with the main character of the play; Coriolanus, also known as the protagonist, demonstrates this theme of power through his characteristics. 'God-like' figure is one of many titles he is portrayed as, even given the comparison to a dragon. Gods in Ancient Rome were recognized as the powerful leaders/mythological figures. Indulging into this concept, Shakespeare uses the setting and the mythological believes in emphasizing the theme of power through Martius Coriolanus as well as the idea of being fearless, independent and of course, powerful similarly to a dragon. 

Volumnia is Martius Coriolanus' mother where she has a different sense of power. She portrays a motherly power over her son as she has a significant influence towards his decisions; specifically when asking him not to attack Rome. Due to Coriolanus' arrogance and anger, he wanted to take revenge on Rome as he was banished by the common people and the capitol. Although, Volumnia was able to use her motherly speech such as "Sweet son" to grab Coriolanus. In response, "Oh my mother, mother! You have won a happy victory to Rome; But, for your son,- believe it, O, believe it, Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd, If not most mortal to him... Good Aufidius, were you in my stead, would you have heard a mother less? or granted less, Audifius ?" (5.3.208-215). This illustrates how Volumnia has her own sense of power in the presentation of a mother figure rather than a political body.
Finally, Audifius is hated by Martius Coriolanus and hates "thee worse than a promise-breaker."(1.8.2) and this is thought the same by Aufidius towards Coriolanus. Aufidius is quite a manipulative character who suddenly contrasts his hatred in Act 1 to a beloved partner in war in Act 3 in order to fulfill the desire to take war on Rome. Resulting in the belief of him potentially having a manipulative power towards Coriolanus. 

Blog Post 16- What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterization of Coriolanus in Act I?

What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterization of Coriolanus in Act I?

In Shakespeare's play; Coriolanus, he began presenting the political context within English during King James' Rule (1603- 1625) rather than his conventional tragedies. Act one is seen to be the primary act for where Shakespeare introduces the setting of the play; Ancient Rome, the main characters as well as the conflict. Coriolanus' character builds where he struggles to gain power due to his verbal self-control.

In Act one, Menenius and Coriolanus are introduced to the audience where there is a riot between the plebeians because of food shortage; grain. Due to the fact that Shakespeare has presented as the "chief enemy to the people' (1.1.7), the plebeians acknowledge him with hatred; making the audience believe he was the main issue of the shortage of food. The first conflict presented in Shakespeare's play is the conflict between Martius (Coriolanus) and the common people. He confronts the plebeians where he displayed his anger against the people, which illustrated his bad-temperated characteristic. Although, Shakespeare then begins to contrast the common people's judgment on Martius and Menenius; whereby Menenius is presented as the "one that hath always loved the people' (1.1.45). The people or Rome show respect and love towards Menenius regardless of his rank (patrician). He is presented to the audience as the wise character through the use of the body motif "there was a time when all the body's members Rebell'd against the belly.." This motif can be associated with the plebeians. Shakespeare has placed Menenius and the First Citizen together to emphasize the characteristics of Martius (Coriolanus) wherein the subsequent acts this, unfortunately, leads to his death.

Throughout the Act, Shakespeare has placed Martius Coriolanus on the battlefield where he was then credited for be brave and great warrior of Rome by the generals and the soldiers. He was given the respect that he never received from the common people. This portrayal of 'Coriolanus' illustrated his characters as brave with heroic traits and even thought to be a demi-god figure were shown to the Capitol. However, there is a disconnection between the two social classes; whereby the plebeians frame him as a self-centred, ignorant character though is portrayed by the generals as a brave warrior and a hero. 

The genre of the play is considered to be a political play unlike his conventional tragedies his audience is predominantly are shown. Like said previously, Shakespeare illustrates the two perspectives of the characteristic of Coriolanus' King James I ways of ruling. Shakespeare utilises the plot of Coriolanus to explore King James I's totalitarian methodology of ruling. The way Shakespeare describes the Roman society in Coriolanus is similar to the England society during this time period. 

Blog Post 15- Bell Hooks

Freedom by Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar 


[Beyoncé:]
Tryna rain, tryna rain on the thunder
Tell the storm I'm new
I'ma walk, I'ma march on the regular
Painting white flags blue
Lord forgive me, I've been running
Running blind in truth
I'ma rain, I'ma rain on this bitter love
Tell the sweet I'm new

I'm telling these tears, "Go and fall away, fall away"
May the last one burn into flames

Freedom! Freedom! I can't move
Freedom, cut me loose!
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
Cause I need freedom too!
I break chains all by myself
Won't let my freedom rot in hell
Hey! I'ma keep running
Cause a winner don't quit on themselves

I'ma wade, I'ma wave through the waters
Tell the tide, "Don't move"
I'ma riot, I'ma riot through your borders
Call me bulletproof
Lord forgive me, I've been runnin'
Runnin' blind in truth
I'ma wade, I'ma wave through your shallow love
Tell the deep I'm new

I'm telling these tears, "Go and fall away, fall away"
May the last one burn into flames

Freedom! Freedom! I can't move
Freedom, cut me loose!
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
Cause I need freedom too!
I break chains all by myself
Won't let my freedom rot in hell
Hey! I'ma keep running
Cause a winner don't quit on themselves

[Kendrick Lamar:]
Ten Hail Marys, I meditate for practice
Channel 9 news tell me I'm movin' backwards
Eight blocks left, death is around the corner
Seven misleadin' statements 'bout my persona
Six headlights wavin' in my direction
Five-O askin' me what's in my possession
Yeah, I keep runnin', jump in the aqueducts
Fire hydrants and hazardous
Smoke alarms on the back of us
But mama, don't cry for me, ride for me
Try for me, live for me
Breathe for me, sing for me
Honestly guidin' me
I could be more than I gotta be
Stole from me, lied to me, nation hypocrisy
Code on me, drive on me
Wicked, my spirit inspired me
Like yeah, open correctional gates in higher desert
Yeah, open our mind as we cast away oppression
Yeah, open the streets and watch our beliefs
And when they carve my name inside the concrete
I pray it forever reads

[Beyoncé:]
Freedom! Freedom! I can't move
Freedom, cut me loose!
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
Cause I need freedom too!
I break chains all by myself
Won't let my freedom rot in hell
Hey! I'ma keep running
Cause a winner don't quit on themselves

[Kendrick Lamar:]
What you want from me?
Is it truth you seek? Oh father can you hear me?
What you want from me?
Is it truth you seek? Oh father can you hear me?
Hear me out

[Hattie White:]
I had my ups and downs, but I always find the inner strength to pull myself up. I was served lemons, but I made lemonade

 Possessing a shared language, black folks could find again a way to make community, and a means to create the political solidarity necessary to resist. Needing the oppressor’s language to speak with one another they nevertheless also reinvented, remade that language so that it would speak beyond the boundaries of conquest and domination.

The text that I have chosen to answer the selected quotation from Bell Hooks was written by Beyoncé featuring Kendrick Lamar. These lyrics are a part of her song Freedom, of which is from her most recent Album Lemonade. People believe that her last album is about cheating although, in fact, it is about cultural violence towards woman, specifically black women. Beyoncé begins to create songs based on her personal grief through anger and sadness but opens her so-called creative lenses where she had broadened the scope.

"Freedom" is song number 10 on her album 'Lemonade'. The song emphasizes areas of old Negro prison song as well as a 'fiery verse from Kendrick Lamar' (1). This song in somewhat ways speaks the truth about Beyoncé's feelings towards the topic.

"Painting white flags blue" is stated in Beyoncé's verse. She is implying that the symbol meaning of the white flag (giving up, surrendering, etc.,) will be painted blue. The colour blue signifies liberation, determination and independence. (The Bonnie Blue Flag was an unofficial banner of the Confederate States of America at the start of the American Civil War in 1861. It consists of a single, five-pointed white star on a blue field. It closely resembles the flag of the short-lived Republic of West Florida of 1810) [2] When Viewing Kendrick Lamar's verse,

 "Ten Hail Marys, I meditate for practice

Channel 9 news tell me I'm movin' backwardsEight blocks left, death is around the cornerSeven misleadin' statements 'bout my personaSix headlights wavin' in my direction
Won't let my freedom rot in hellHey! I'ma keep runningCause a winner don't quit on themselves"Five-O askin' me what's in my possession"

He's implying to the audience what is being displayed on national television "Channel 9 news" about the police attacks on Black Americans "Seven misleadin' statements 'bout my persona" In my opinion, I believe he explains how there have been black Americans who have been falsely accused of breaking the law. For example, statistics reveal that Police in the U.S. shot and killed 16 unarmed black men in 2016 [3]. This further justifies my claim where Police in the US believe that black Americans or black people, in general, are seen stereotypically as being dangerous, can be harmful and violent.

In regard to African American Vernacular English (AAVE), Beyoncé does not use her cultural dialect as many do, she used Standard English although has used Vernacular English to connect to those to evoke her argument and empower the black society. Although in Kendrick Lamar's verse, he uses some slang implying a certain dialect from AAVE.

Lastly, when looking at the chorus, Beyoncé states "I break chains all by myself"

She is implying to her audience that she sometimes have to do things independently to get what you want. Beyoncé is one of the most successful singer/songwriter on his pop history and with this, she is able to influence a lot of people from mixed generations. She is able to be a public figure in leading society, standing up for her race, her family, her cultural background as well as those who discriminate them Beyoncé is one of many black Americans who believes in equality amongst all. 

Overall, this supports the quotation from bell hooks as black folk believe in solidarity and want to create an independent yet peace community amongst all folks.  

Work Sited Page:


[1] http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/18214-beyonce-freedom-ft-kendrick-lamar/

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie_Blue_Flag

[3]http://europe.newsweek.com/police-killings-unarmed-black-men-538542?rm=eu