Quote:
Originally Posted by Bookpossum
Some great posts here and really interesting reflections. I think the problem with any society is that as fantasyfan says, while there is still acceptance of the rules and values which make up the culture, nothing will change.
It has to reach a stage where enough people feel strongly that things need to change, and have the courage to say so in the face of "this is the way we do things around here". Had Okonkwo been a different man, who spoke out against the killing of Ikemefuna and indeed protected him instead of participating, that could have been a turning point. It just might have made some of the others question such a barbaric ruling and follow his lead. Even if he had failed to save the boy, it would have given people food for thought, and meant a different sort of relationship with his own son.
It is a sad example of how being an unthinking "strong man" is indeed a fatal weakness. He completely missed the opportunity of being a truly great leader because of his inability to follow what his heart told him.
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That's a very perceptive insight, Bookpossum.
It adds a new dimension to the book for me.
