Progress Report

I, for one, am thouroughly enjoying the book, Things Fall Apart. Not only did I get through chapter 11, but I'm already into part 2 of this fast, light, enjoyable read. Any thoughts? No? Well I'll share mine, since it's doubtful that anyone else has been reading this book. ;-)

WARNING: The following section may contain spoilers, although I will try to be cryptic. If you are sensitive to plot hints and clues, and you haven't read the book, proceed at your own risk.

I have two main thoughts about the book so far. I find it interesting that Okonkwo's biggest weakness is his own fear of weakness. He wants to be a strong man, and to be perceived as a strong man, but his desire for strength enslaves him. This point is seen most clearly seen the night they take Ikemefuna from the village. I appreciate this irony in Okonkwo's character flaw.

I have also been pondering on the connection between Things Fall Apart and the poem I posted yesterday, "The Second Coming." Could it be that Achebe is showing the truly civilized nature of a supposedly "savage" people? It is fascinating to read about a culture which holds its members so accountable to a shared code of ethics. Although the ethics of the Umuofia are strange, and even at odds with our own sense of morality,they are upheld with astonishing uniformity and unquestioning obedience. Their society's code may leave much to be desired, but it is still more civilized than a society which neglects its own high standards, and in practice holds no standards at all.

There are my thoughts, for what they are worth.

If anyone is reading along, we will finish the book by next Monday. The next book on the list is Democracy: An American Novel, by Henry Adams. I'll start looking for my copy this week.

Happy reading!