Key Moment Ranking
Exile of Okonkwo
I believe the exile of Okonkwo is a significant event to the story, from the reason to the exile, the timing of the exile, and so on. First of all, Okonkwo's crime, because it was inadvertent, it is described as that of the female kind. This is in sharp contrast and irony to the motif of Okonkwo's character. Okonkwo's personal motif and internal conflict is masculinity, so for him be exiled because of a female crime is a turning point for the character and reader. Secondly, it also acts as context to the reader, as it feeds them information of Igbo culture. Moreover, it also showcases how seriously it is taken; showing that even the most respected man can be punished, which displays that the Igbo have a functional justice and legal system. Thirdly, it also acts as rising action, raising tension, as the reader is told of Okonkwo's numerous achievements and now he must begin from the start, just as he did when he was younger. Additionally, it is the exile that allowed for other events to occur, such as Okonkwo not being able to interfere with Nwoye converting much earlier or defending Umofia from the colonizers and so on.
Abame massacre and colonization
The description of the massacre of Abame and the introduction of colonizers is one of the most critical events in the book. Plot-wise, it progresses the book to the final part of the book, part 3. Secondly, a thematic shift occurs, as in the first two parts of the book is an exploration of Igbo culture, while as last part displays a contrast between Igbo culture and European culture. This shift also introduces new conflicts, characters, and themes. Additionally, context-wise, it gives the reader insight of how Africans might have reacted to the early colonization by the Europeans, as at the time of the book, African literature lacked, and Africans were often misrepresented. Moreover, this would create the conflict of Okonkwo's return to Umofia, as when he returned from his exile, it was not as it used to be and his return wasn't as grand as he expected.
Suicide of Okonkwo
The suicide of Okonkwo, obviously, ends the book. But past the plot, it also adds insight on his character, and it's development. Earlier in the book, Okonkwo told himself that he could survive anything (because he survived the worst year of harvest), but ironically he was not able to survive colonization. Moreover, Okonkwo, throughout the book, was described as a ruthless man of strength and respect. Of course, this is all based on his fear of being like the failure that is his father. And it is that very fear that drove to kill Ikemefuna, a boy he considered his son. This adds an ironic twist to his suicide, as hanging oneself is not only considered an evil act against the earth and its goddess but also he did it because he lost hope. So, this event showcases the character development of a strong man to a weak-willed man.
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