Round 1
In paragraph 64, the author, Chinua Achebe, uses the word remorse. What is the purpose of using this word?
(Hint: look up connotation..)
The connotation of the word is associated with feeling guilt. This is to foreshadow that he started feeling guilty and might try to work on his relationship with his son again.
Reread lines 166-181.
Does the ending of the story suggest that Okeke will finally offer parental approval of Nnaemeka’s marriage?
Cite text evidence for your example.
Yes, it suggests that the grandpa will approve of their marriage. “Okeke was trying hard not to think about his two battles. But he knew he was now fighting a losing battle” – Lines 174-175. He felt himself starting to give up on his hatred.
What makes the story's title an example of verbal iron?
marriage is a formal bond between 2 people and affair means breaking marriage vows and by affair she means keeping it private instead of an actual affair
Discuss how the tensions among the characters in "Marriage Is a Private Affair" illustrate universal human experiences.
While the story is set in Nigeria, and the details are specific to that cultural situation, the tension we see between the son and his wife and father, are common conflicts around the world. Conflicts with in-laws have even become stereotypical in film and literature. Even the tensions between the young couple are typical, as is illustrated when he withholds information from her to protect her feelings.
What finally changes Okeke's mind about seeing his son and family?
Nene's letter
What details especially related to imagery helped to foreshadow the end of the story, did it end as you thought it would?
When Nene began to cry, her husband told her that he thinks his father will eventually come to realize that he should accept them, even if he does not agree.
How much time passes from the marriage to the end of the story? During that time, how does Okeke act toward his son?
8 years. He still doesn't want anything to do with his son
In his depiction of the conflict between Nnaemeka and his father, does the author seem to favor strongly one side or the other? Explain.
he favors the son over the father because he focuses more on the son and his marriage
"[Nene] is a good Christian," his son went on, "and a teacher in a girls' school in Lagos."
"Teacher, did you say? If you consider that a qualification for a good wife I should like to point out to you, Emeka, that no Christian woman should teach. St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians says that women should keep silence."
Identify and explain the kind of dilemma (moral, cultural, or generational) illustrated by this passage.
This dialogue is an example of the generational differences between Nnaemeka and his father, Okeke.
Nnaemeka is part of the young generation that has broader expectations for men and women. Women are no longer expected to remain silent, as Okeke would prefer. They have found their voice. Nene is a great example of a modern Nigerian woman: self-sufficient, intelligent, well-educated, and not afraid to speak her mind.
The story tells us that "[t]he prejudice against Nnaemeka's marriage was not confined to his little village." How else is this idea revealed in the story?
A. The women at their village meeting treat Nene differently than they would one of their own.
B. The men at Nnaemeka's office begin to make fun of him and shun him because of his Ibibio wife.
C. Nene is not allowed to go to the village meetings with her husband since she is not Ibo.
D. Nnaemeka's father tells everyone in the village to avoid his son and wife because of their disobedience.
A. The women at their village meeting treat Nene differently than they would one of their own.
Refer to paragraphs 1 through 8.
What is the author establishing by the opening of this dialogue?
A tension between traditional tribal beliefs about marriage and a more modern version of marriage.
Why does Nene’s letter have such a powerful effect on Okeke?
It showed him how much she wanted to make their relationship work, and she wanted to compromise.
Why does Nene send a letter to Nnaemeka's father?
To let him know that his grandkids want to meet him
Which statement is true about Nene's cultural background?
1. She was raised in the city and is more cosmopolitan.
2. She was raised by her mother because her father is dead.
3. She is from the lbo tribe
1. She was raised in the city and is more cosmopolitan.
Which phrase is the best definition of the word "deference"?
(Paragraph 59 line 6)
A. unyielding obstinance; stubbornness
B. courtesy; respectful submission
C. to endure or persist through difficulty
D. a problem involving a difficult choice
B. courtesy; respectful submission
Why does Okeke oppose Nnaemeka’s choice of a wife?
Because she is not from the same tribe (lbo), or village, nor speaks the same language, and she is a school teacher
Why might living in a city influence Nnaemeka’s attitude toward Ibo traditions?
Living in the city, he got a bigger perspective than his small village allowed.
How are Nnaemeka and his father different?
Okeke loses his son because he is stubborn and is unhappy without his son in his life.
Nnaemeka decides to pursuit his happiness and marry who he loves
From what point of view is the story told? How does the point of view shape your response to the story?
third person, if it were told in first person the reader could choose which side to be easier. If the father told it, we would be more likely to favor him and vice versa
How is the title "Marriage Is a Private Affair" ironic?
A. Nnaemeka had an affair while he was married to Nene, but she doesn't know about it.
B. The marriage of Nnaemeka and Nene is not private at all because it is discussed by the entire village.
C. Okeke is secretly pleased with Nnaemeka's choice of wife, but his pride won't let him admit it.
D. Marriage can only be performed in a public ceremony, open to any who wants to attend.
B. The marriage of Nnaemeka and Nene is not private at all because it is discussed by the entire village.
What ethical dilemma (right versus wrong) did Nnaemeka and Okeke conflict over and struggle to resolve?
The choice is deciding to follow traditions and what is expected of you or if you should break tradition and do your own thing.
Why was it shocking and offensive to Okeke that Nmaemeka would marry Nene?
Because he is the first person in the community to go against the tradition by choosing his own spouse and choosing to marry someone who is not Ibo
The story's subject is a marriage that occurs against a parent's wishes, but what is the story's theme?
determination
Okeke's obstinance is illustrated by his __________.
a) refusal to meet Nnaemeka's new wife
b) arranging his son's marriage
c) refusal to attend church
d) consultation of the native doctor
a) refusal to meet Nnaemeka's new wife
Which scenario is an example of a cultural dilemma?
A. A child's grandfather wants his son to parent in the same way he raised his own children.
B. A woman debates whether she should go to college or a trade school for her training.
C. A world traveler offends his Muslim host by crossing his legs and showing the bottom of his shoe.
D. A couple wants to send their child to a boarding school rather than a public school.
C. A world traveler offends his Muslim host by crossing his legs and showing the bottom of his shoe.