Family and kinship Flashcards
The comfortableness between Okonkwo and Ikefuma
“Ikefuma had begun to feel like a member of Okonkwo family” He also called Okonkwo ‘father’ which shows the comfortableness in between their relationship. Even though they are not blood related, he has also revealed his closeness with Nwoye which affects the family as a whole.
Family in Igbo culture
Igbo has some key ideas that form the basis of an ideal family. Respect each other, honour and unite all previous fathers. The father is not only the breadwinner of the family, but also the keeper of family honour and the teacher of his sons.
A mother’s engagement in the family
A mother’s main task is to enrich her family with healthy children and to please her husband. Children are the future heirs and are raised to carry on the values of older generations.
How Unoka affects Okonkwo as a role of father
Okonkwo’s personality and behaviour came from the rejection of his own father whom he considered a shame toward the family since he was a hardworking person. He desired to be a better father to his children than his father was to him. This makes Okonkwo become respected in his community.
Polygamy in the Igbo culture
Polygamy or having more than one partner is a big part of the Igbo culture. It shows great success and a show of wealth. The effect of this is the help and support from each other.
Kinship and Ikefuma
Ikemefuna lives with Okonkwo, but never truly becomes family, and is eventually killed by Okonkwo. However this is also explained that Ogbuefei warns him not to take part in killing Ikemefuna, as he should be protected by kinship but yet Okonkwo still join.
