This quote is an example of a metaphor that the author uses to put into perspective how scared Ekwefi was. He compares the pot and her careful stirring to someone who is taking care of a sick child to emphasize how devastating Ezinma’s death would be to Ekwefi.
Chapter 10
The clan of Umuofia has a gathering which everyone attends. Spirits representing the nine founders of the clan are tasked with resolving disputes, similar to that of a court case. The first case is about a woman who has run away from her husband’s house, because he beat her, and was very abusive. The verdict is that the man shall bring his wife back by giving gifts to her family and promise to never beat her again.
(Society) This chapter serves as another reminder that African society is more civilized than western authors say it was. The African people’s are not barbaric and are capable of civil justice, as shown by the fact that the Umuofia clan has a justice …show more content…
She has gone through so much and sacrificed so many things to be able to have a child of her own. Because of the strong bond, the relationship between Ekwefi and Ezinma is that of equals. The readers never see Ekwefi ordering Ezinma to do something, instead they seem to have a mutual level of respect for each other. Ekwefi looks for a female companion in Ezinma, and Ezinma seeks a loving and caring mother in Ekwefi.
(Irony) In this chapter, we, the readers see that Ekwefi is willing to defy religious authority and ultimately a god in order to protect her daughter. This fact directly contrasts with Okonkwo’s perception of femininity, which is that feminine people are weak and lazy. She travels a long distance and stays up all night for her daughter, exemplifying that strength, strong willpower, and determination are not traits that only masculine men possess.
The tender and kind side of Okonkwo is also shown in this chapter. He loves his daughter and wanted to protect her, as shown by how he made multiple trips to the sacred