DIRECTIONS:
Write a 7 paragraph essay to the following question using standard paragraph / essay format. All essays are submitted online in the comment box. When you leave your response make sure you write your name, then subject and period you have class.
Ex., Jane: CAPS, P3 & 4
ESSAY QUESTION:
How does Okonkwo's environment, using the definition of Place, shape his personality, and choices?
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Write a clearly written introduction paragraph to the best of your ability. Use your syllabus to
assist you.
2. Write a clear thesis statement. Thesis statement should be your last sentence in the
introduction paragraph.
3. Use three quotes from the text, "Things Fall Apart".
4. Each paragraph is 5 to 7 sentences.
5. Leave a space after each paragraph.
6. Must contain a clearly written conclusion paragraph.
Shimei Hawkins
ReplyDeleteSept.18,09
World History
Mr. Avery
Weekend Essay
I think that Okonkwa's enviornment shapes him to be determined. It also shapes him to be a better person. Or in other words make him more sucssesful.
The way Oknonkwa's enviornment shapes him into being determind is because in the story it says they he want to be everything his father wasn't. Determind was something his father wasn't. If he was dtermined he would have been dteremined to get his kids everything. He would ave ben able to provide for them. Which brings me to my next reason.
Another way Okonkwa's enviornment shapes his personality is it makes him want to succeed more. In the story it says he doesn't have time for unsucsessful people. Just like his father. In order to be sucsessful in Umuofia you have to have alot of wifes, cowries and another thing is yams. Okonkwa has 2 barns full o0f yams and is about ot marry his 3rd wife. So that makes him a sucssesful man.
Another thing that makes him a sucssesful man is that he is an unbeaten wrestler. He is undeafeted in 9 villages. He recentley beat another undeafeted wrestler named Cat. He is called the cat because His bck never touched the ground.
Inconclusion, Okonkwa's enviornment makes him a determined man and a sucssesful man.
Reginald Clark
ReplyDelete9-18-09
Mr. .Avery
World History
To me I think that the way Okonkwo’s environment and the way his father treats him
Shapes. Him to be determined and to set his mind to do something.
I say that because as we read in the story I really fount out that Okonkwo’s didn’t want to
Be like his father. I know that because in the book it says “I want to be everything my father wasn’t”. He is trying to show his father that he was not there for him. He really didn’t do anything. That means that he would have never been in debt and he would have cared about getting the money in early if at all.
Another way his environment shapes his personality. He wants to be a better person. He wants to have a life. In the story it says don’t have time for unsuccessful people. I think that’s the reason he doesn’t want a relationship with his father. He probably thinks it would knock him off track. In the city of Umuofia you half to have a lot of yams and is about to get married for the 3rd time. So in order for him to be successful he has to or wants to look away from the past.
Another thing that makes him successful. Is he has not been beaten in 7 years of wrestling. He is known in 9 villages and is undefeated in 9 villages. He also beat cat an undefeated wrestler to. That’s why he is call cat because he never touches the ground. Or shall I say his feet never touch the ground.
I think he thinks he is trying to do the right thing. But he cant because his father and him looking in the past instead of him looking in the future.
In conclusion I think that if Okonkwo focuses on the future and not on the past he will be more successful. So he just needs to not worry about his dad. You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help there selves.
Christopher Keil
ReplyDeletePeriod 8
World History
Mr.Avery
In Okonkwo's environment you need to be a man by accomplishing goals. Which shapes his personallity and choices since he always wants to be outstanding in everything he does. Forever determined to be succesful in mainly everything.,also he never gives up when a challenge or obstacle is in his way or comes his way.
First and foremost Okonkwo's environment shapes him to be the oppisite of his father Unoka. His father was a very poor man,was always in debt since he kept borrowing money from neighbors but never paid back. Also when he got money he spended it all on palm-wine,he was very lazy had no titles or any accomplishments for that matter.,and lastly he wasn't very brave he feared the sight of blood.
With this being the environment shaped Okonkwo for starters he wanted no memory of his father. He bacame a celebrity all over the land for defeating Amalinze the Cat. Always fought in wars and now has a collection of five heads. He has even taken two titles and married his third wife. This is how the environment he lives in shaped him.
Furthermore another way he was shaped was being a succesful farmer. He had two barns all full of yams.,and in his village having alot of yams meant that you were living a luxury life. Since Okonkwo wanted to prove to everybody that he could support his family and that he was a real man. So he washed his hands and ate with Kings and Elders.
In conclusion the environment changed Okonkwo by making him desire alot of acheivements.Being successful in any way possible. Never fearing anything he was always brave in everything he did. And Okonkwo never left room for failure and I think he never will.
Nyell Williams
ReplyDeleteSeptember 19
World History
Mr. Avery
Okonkwo's enviorment shapes him to be trustworthy.Everybody could trust him.If he owed anybody money he would pay them back.Before he did anything else he paid his debts first.In the book it said "I shall pay my big debts firt".He had no reason to lie.Having people know they can trust you, makes you feel good.
Like Okonkwo father was not a trustworthy person.He owed alot of people money.He said alot of things he didnt mean.Nobody in their village really didnt like him,because he couldnt be trusted.Thats not good.
I feel Okonkwo enviorment shaped him to be determined.While he was growing up he did not want to be like his dad.He strived so hard to be a better man than his father was.In the book it said "I want to be everything my father wasn’t". Okonkwo was the exact opposite of his dad by the time he was a man.He was a good man too.
Okonkwo had a good personality as well.he never treated anyone wrong.He had the up most respect from everyone in his village.He was a cool person to be around.Okonkwo didnt have time to be a mean person.Not treat people bad.
He lived his life to the fullest.If it's anything his father tought him,it was "Don't live a bitter life".He didnt let anyone stop him either not even his dad.Okonkwo's life was fulfilled.He never gave up.Not once did he quit.
Okonkwo was successful.He didnt have time for failure.In the book it says "he doesn't have time for unsucsessful people".He also didnt like lazy men.He thought that men should be the man of the house.Not lazy and never accomplishing anything.
So in my conclusion, I think Okonkwo's enviorment shaped him to be a good man.He was successful and honest.He didnt let anybody stop him from reaching a goal.I mean he even took down his village greatest wrestler ever.I think if it wasn't for his enviorment, he would have been like his dad.
Vallery Espinal
ReplyDelete09/18/09
World History
Okonkwo is surrounded by many great things although he doesn’t see it. He lives in a great place where he is popular and wealthy. His wives and children are always there for him. And the shame of who his dad was is helping him make the right choices. He is tormented inside, by not wanting to be like his father.
Okonkwo’s popularity grew when he became the greatest wrestler in the whole nine villages. As a young man of age 18, he became the first person to beat the greatest wrestler from Umuofia to Mbaino (who had been unbeaten for 7 years). Okonkwo bought great honor to his village. His popularity was based on his personal achievements. He was also the youngest man to bring the first human head after the latest war. That would be his fifth human head.
Planting yams and having good land was a big deal back then. Good crops meant good money. But when Okonkwo first started planting, the drought would kill all his yams. His dad failed at growing yams because he was too lazy. So that’s when Okonkwo went to Nwakibie for help. He gave him some seeds to plant because Nwakibie knew Okonkwo would work hard to eventually have yams. Since Unoka did not provide for the family, Okonkwo had to. Okonkwo was a wealthy farmer.
Okonkwo was clearly cut for many great things. At a very young age, Okonkwo was already married. He had just gotten married to his third wife. Later on he had children. His family has always been there for him. But his wives have had it tough. I think Okonkwo could express himself better with his fists then with his words. His family-especially his wives- obey his every command.
As I’ve read, I’ve found out Okonkwo wasn’t too proud of his dad. In fact he was ashamed of who his father was. Everything his dad loved, he hates. When Unoka was alive he would go around begging his neighbors for money so the village considered him man without a title. Okonkwo’s dad was just very lazy and plus whenever he got money, he would spend it on wine and share with his friends. I think that is reason why Okonkwo works so hard. So he won’t have to go around asking for money as his dad did.
I’m not sure exactly what type of person I consider Okonkwo to be, but I do feel he is not a mean person. Overall I think Okonkwo is a good person, but on the inside. On the outside he just is so afraid to be like his dad. His fathers liked to be a loving person, so Okonkwo is going to do the opposite. I don’t think it’s fair he abuses his wives. Maybe all his popularity and wealth is getting to his head. Maybe he thinks that because he is rich and well known through out the villages, he can be hurtful to others.
Okonkwo’s environment definantly shapes his personality and choices. I think that if he wasn’t surrounded by people that would compare him to his dad, he would be more loving and caring of his family. The environment is forcing him to act this way. He is well respected by many. But terribly feared by others due to his personality. So far he has made a good choice; to not be a failure like his father.
Marlon Andries
ReplyDelete9/20/09
Period 8, Essay 2
Mr. Avery
Okonkwo's environment shaped his personality and choices simply because of the way the villages in his town was.In my opinion it made him the man that he is.He was a man that believed all men should work hard for what they want and need.His personality was that of a strong and independent man.He didn't let his surroundings stop his from succeeding.
It help shape Okonkwo's personality and choices by the way others live in his town.He is a man that believes men should work hard for what they want and need.He's pretty successful at what he has accomplished.He also believes that a man should be able to take care of his responsibilities.They should also be able to take care of his family.
In other words, don't slack off.he doesn't care too much for uneducated people.he feels people could do a whole lot better if they were successful.Okonkwo is a man of many convictions. He's become a successful man at a very young age.
His environment also shapes his personality because he doesn't think or act like most of the villagers.I believe the way Okonkwo's father was, more so helped shape a lot of his ways in the way he acts.Also the things he believe in. Unlike his dad, he wasn't in debt to half the villagers. He provided for his wife and kids. He made sure they had the things he didn't.he wouldn't have it any other way.
Okonkwo's environment made his very successful and wealthy. In his town in order to be wealthy you must have big field of yams and more than one wife. Okonkwo even surpassed that by becoming an undefeated wrestler.By his father being unsuccessful and poor that pushed okonkwo to be all he could be. At a young age he defeated many great fighters.
I believe that if it wasn't for Okonkwo's dad, he would not have been this successful.Since he disliked everything his father stood for, that pushed him.Okonkwo made sure he took car of his family. He me also made sure he was never in debt.
In conclusion Okonkwo's environment did help shape his personality and choices. It made him be the best he could be at a youg age. It helped he be famous throughout the 9 villages.Okonkow's dad made his successful by not being successful
Denzel Langley
ReplyDelete9/20/09
World History/Period 6
Mr.Avery
Okonkwo's environment shaped him to be more of a man.He wanted to be better than his father,by beating the toughest people around different villages.the environment is rugged and full of danger.Thats who Okonkwo is rugged and full of danger.
Okonkwo is agressive because he loved wars and to fight ever since he beat Amalinze the Cat in wrestling.He was the first one in his village to bring a head.That was his fifth head and it was not a old head either.To me if a man brings a head that doesn't mean he's agressive that means he's crazy.
Okonkwo is also willing because he wants to be better than his father.His father was a complete failure in his village.Okonkwo is a suuccess because he has fame and respect and didn't have to owe anybody any money.That's a willing man,to be successful in what he wants to do.
To me the only way to be successful is to learn from your mistakes so you will know not to do it again.He learned from his father's mistakes so he won't be like his father.His father had plenty of mistakes,but he never learned from them.
In Okonkwo's village the only way to be wealthy is to grow a farm full of yams.Like for example Okoye he was successful for having a large barn full of yams.He was going to take Idemili title,the third highest in the land.
To Okonkwo's environment he has to fight to survive in order to be the best of the best in order to gain respect.He has to show no kindness.His own children fear because they fear that he might beat them and his three wives.
In conclusion that mostly environment shapes the man who lives there.As i said in the first paragraph the environment is rugged and full of danger,that's what Okonkwo is rugged and full of danger.
Sakyyah Singley
ReplyDelete9/18/09
Mr.Avery
World History
Okonkwo's Environment
In okonkwo's environment there are many successful people.
Okonkwo had chosen to be one of those people. Okonkwo didnt want
to be a personlike his father. His father was a very unsuccessful
person. He didnt have any yams in his feild or he didnt have three
wives. Unoka which was okonkwo's father didnt have any money. So he
had to ask many people for money and they gave it to him but he
never gave it back to them.
Okonkwo was a very successful man. He was a professional
wrestler. He was also very loved in all of the nine villages
in his country. For that he was successful. He was also
successful for having a feild of yams and going on to his
third wife. So okonkwo was nothing like his father. Infact
he was ashamed of his father sohe didnt want to be anything
him and i dont blame him.
Okonkwo had a choice whether he wanted to be a successful
or whether he wanted to be a very unsuccessful person such as
his father. His choice was to be very successful so that
people wouldnt compare him to his father at all in no way.
He wanted to set a good example for his kids so there for
he worked his hardest to support his children and show them
how to be successful.
Okonkwo was in a place where whether you be successful or
you be poor. By place I mean somewhere you exist,basically
its somewhere you can be.Okonkwo was also successful because
he had defeated the cat in wrestling. The cat was a wrestler
Who no one could ever beat. But okonkwo showed him that there
is someone who could beat him. That is how he had gotten all of
the nine villages to love him.
Okonkwo was a very large and muscled man. He could defeat
any wrestler that had steped to the floor. There for many people
were afraid of him. Thats another reason why he became very
known to all of the nine villages in his country. All of his wives
and children were very lucky to have him as a father and a wife because
he could support them with everything they wanted because again he
was successful.
Every since okonkwo was young he had shaped himself very
well. That means that okonkwo was sure of himself. He had
prepared himself for the best and the worst. He had seen the
mistakes thathis father had made and he was sure that he wouldnt
go down the same road as his father. So he was a very bright child
and as you can see he was nothing like his father he is successful.
Basically okonkwo was determined that he would be nothing like
his father. And as you can see he was nothin like his father. IN the
place he was in he was determined to be loved and to be loved you had
to be famous and that he was.That was how okonkwo shaped himself and made
the choices of being successful.
Asia Moses
ReplyDeleteSeptember 20,2009
Period 8
Mr.Avery
Okankwo's environment shaped him to be more of a man. He wanted to be better than his father. He showed people that he wasn't an coward by beating everyone in an fight. He show people that he wasn't like his father and that he was dangerous.
Okankwo's didn't play with anyone. He made sure that everyone took him serious. Just to make sure he was the first to bring in the head. It was actually his 5th head. He was agressive at what he do. just to show people he wasn't like his father.
He was very succesfull at what he did. He believe that men should take big responsibilties in there actions. They should take good care of their family. Also to work hard to get what you want and need in life. He was actually like an teacher to me.
He was also an very good person. He showed people respect. He would never be mean to anyone. He was actually an cool person to have around. He care about everyones feeling and mostly people would look up to him.
He was an succesfull farmer unlike is father. The barns was full of yams. He showed people that he could take good care of his family. He also washed his hands and ate with the king and elders. He would bring yams to the village that made him look succesfull.
Another thing that made him succesfull in life was that he was an unbeaten fighter. he beaten people from 9 villages. He beaten an unbeatne fighter named cat. They called him cat because his back never touch the ground. When Okonkwo beaten cat everyone knew that he was really unbeaten now.
I conclusion Okonkwo personality was that he would succeed at everything that his father never did. He was an determined man that care about everything and everone. He was an unbeaten man that wasn't an coward like his daddy.
Nageeyah Coursey
ReplyDeleteP.7
September 19, 2009
World History
Essay Question: How Does Okonkwo’s environment, using the definition of Place, shape his personality and choices?
Okonkwo, a great man in his Igbo tribe, cannot adapt to the changes brought about by the British colonial rule. Yet, the tragedy of Okonkwo's downfall resulted from his own character as well as from outside forces.
He, Okonkwo is ashamed of his father, Onoka, who was lazy and had no ambition, and leaving the family in debt when he died. And, as in any environment, or close community, he had to live under the failure of his father, which I believe cause him to be ambitious, proud, unable to give love, yet he was kind. Also, his oldest son Nywoye was a disappointment he thought him to be weak. Nywoye later converted to Christianity, one of the things Okonkwo fought against. Being yet another embarrassment like his father’s. Okonkwo had overcome his poverty to become quite wealthy, making him able to buy two titles, have three wives and many children, and a good producing farm. yet, he believed he was cursed for his sins. His environment plays a big part in his impending tragedy. Wanting to go beyond that of his Father, either to prove it to the village, tribe or to himself. He could not uphold failure, weakness and above all, succumbing to the changes that took place after his exile and return.
Recapping his life, Okonkwo, was a leader and local wrestling champion had three wives, his children. Okonkwo a strong man whose success as a wrestler has opened the door for him to seek leadership in the tribe. Ambitious and something of a bully, Okonkwo is not a sympathetic character as seems, he does not show his feelings, to love ones. He may do something that indicates his pleased. His words, however says differently His actions speaks louder than his word.
Okonkwo, the macho head man, later is despised by the tribe. He beats his wives and children when they disobey. Yet, he will protect them from outsiders, keeping them safe. He loves his wives, but is harsh with them. He just cannot show that love. He does however maintain a safe home and comes to his friends' aid. One day during that festive week Okonkwo beat his youngest wife severely and this violated the sacred week. The priest of the earth goddess came to Okonkwo's home to dish out the punishment for such an act. Okonkwo was to take a goat, hen, cloth, and cowries to the shrine of the earth god to repent for his wrong doing, "But he was not the man to go about telling his neighbors that he was in error. And so people said he had no respect for the gods of the clan. His enemies said that his good fortune had gone to his head."
Bad luck continuous to follow Okonkwo, he is forced to leave his home and have his property destroyed because he accidentally killed a boy and sent into exile. It is during his exile that thing changes, falls apart. Foreigners, (missionaries and the trade men) come. Okonkwo's tribe, family, and life changes. The proud warrior now has to deal with a new government and new religious beliefs. Many hope that they, the missionaries and the British would evently go away. But this was not to happen. The old ways are being driven out.
Can a proud man like Okonkwo adjust to the changes? No, his strong and determined character developed, he was a champion wrestler, warrior, and leader. He returned home and took up the cause of trying to drive away the foreigners with predictable results. Colonization finally drives Okonkwo to take his own life because the oppression is too great for his divided tribe to overcome. Okonkwo can't take living under the rule of foreign men who don't speak his language or know his customs. So, rather than to submit to this colonization, he hangs himself.
Okonkwo story shows how the past lifestyle will no longer work. But he also shows how difficult it is for some people to accept the changes. Okonkwo's struggles, also shows that things are difficult to fix once they have been broken.
Zaniya Wilson
ReplyDeletePeriod 8
9/20/09
Mr.Avery
In the story "Things Fall Apart",Okonkwo was a strong person . He was known in 9 villages and even more. In the nine villages they weren't pleasant as we have it. He understand that he had to try his very best to be something important in the villages.In the next couple of paragraphs I will explain how he is the person who he is.
As I said in the last paragraph Okonkwo didn't live in a nice place as we have it today. He had to learn to get to the places where he is. His father Unoka wasnt any good in some what point of view. He was a failure. He always quitted and never would get the chance to take another chance.
Basically Okonkwo didn't have a strong father figure in life. But as you think about everything his father did it was the opposite. So if Okonkwo has a good mind he should know to do the opposite.Okonkwo can learn to change his father's wrongs to his right. Thats how I believe he should've took the way his father acted.
In some standards I can kind of understand if Okonkwo acted the same way as his father. Thats just as if your living in the hood as we call it . You wouldn't have no choice,but to talk ghetto and act ghetto. If you are black and you live in the suburbs. You have no choice but to talk like you're from the suburbs.Its just how you were raised.
In conclusion , Okonkwo was taught the best that he can be taught. He tried his very best of his ability to be someone good in life. Even though , his father wasn't a good father figure he tried. From living in a bad village he was strong for that
Jonathan Craan
ReplyDelete9/21/09
World History
Mr. Avery
How okonkwo’s environment shape his personality and choices because okonkwo didn’t want to be like unoka. He learned as a child to not be lazy but to be independent. Okonkwo also learned that he must make his family name proud for what he has been through as an infant. Okonkwo also knew that he wanted to be an example for his children on how to be like when you grow up. So okonkwo had to be determined, because that’s what it took to be successful and hardworking because he knew it wasn’t going to be easy overcoming those obstacles he been through or will go through.
Another reason why okonkwo’s environment shaped his personality and choices is because he just used people who were failures as an example. He used them as an example as what you’re going to turn out like when you don’t work hard and take advantage of your opportunities. Okonkwo also knew that he didn’t want to be known as a person who owed everyone in the village, and couldn’t pay them back. He wanted to be known as a person that even though he didn’t have it easy growing up that you can do anything. Okonkwo wanted to show Umuofia that there is no excuse why you can’t become wealthy.
Also okonkwo he as an infant growing up also he knew that it was important to not throw your life away. He knew that he had to support his family to the best of his ability. So that he wouldn’t feel in life like he let his family down or he is a failure. That’s why he taught his son values and how it is important to support your family. He also taught his son that he needs to learn the meaning of hard work and dedication.
Another reason why okonkwo didn’t want to be like his unoka is because he did with a lot of weight on his shoulders. He was in massive amount of debt and brought shame to his family. So okonkwo didn’t want to be like that and bring something like that to his grave. Okonkwo wanted to die knowing that he brought his family poverty. Also he wanted to die knowing that he didn’t bring shame to his family just like unoka had did to his family.
Reasons why okonkwo just changed as an infant because he didn’t want people to laugh at him. He didn’t want any of his neighbors to look down on him like a loser. He also didn’t want any of his neighbors to feel like they didn’t have to lend him anything because he wouldn’t pay them back. Okonkwo just wanted to do big things for his family and for himself. In the text they said okonkwo was ruled by one passion “To hate everything that his father loved.” One of those things was gentleness and another was idleness.
Also in the text “A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.” That saying means that a person who pays respects is the way for someone to go far in life. “If one says no to the other, let his wing break.” That statement means that if no is an answer to something important he or she wouldn’t go far. So that’s why okonkwo never looks at things in perspective as he can’t but he can.
In conclusion why okonkwo’s environment shaped his personality and choices is because he just started using his childhood as a consequence of what can happen. He used that as a motivation to keep him striving for greatness. He just kept pushing himself to try to be the best that he can be. That’s anytime failures come along or his father he despises them and wouldn’t get along with them. So that’s why okonkwo as a father wanted the best for his children.
Allysa Alexander
ReplyDeleteMr.Avery
World Hist.
Period 6
9.20.09
WKEND Essay 2
I think Okonkwos enviroment has shaped his personality and choices alot. His enviroment
isnt the best. Hes surrounded by alot of negative activity from his dad. Hes going thru a stuggle and he prob. wishes that he wasnt in that position. I feel his pain. I dont like being surrounded by negative energy especially my parents. Thats some igorant stuff.
He has to stay focused and don't let the negative activity get to him. He has people he has to support like his siblings and his mom. He has to do that because his dad wont do anything for him or his siblings and not his own wife in which is sad. Hes basically doesnt have any good influences on him to like even help him get through the negative influences he has on his life.
He has been making very good choices in his life. Normally people like us in Newark or even in New Jersey would make very good choices because we would take after our family and if we see our family do wrong we would think that its the right thing when really it isnt. But we wouldnt know because we are just kids. We dont know any better. Thats why we have parents. To guide us in the right direction. But in Okonkwos case its very different. He doesnt take after his parents. He uses his common sense that us kids in the USA dont use on a daily because most of the kids today wasnt educated by our parents to use our common sense. I think if Okonkwo came over to the USA this would be a coulture shock. I say this because if he would have came over to the USA and see us kids not using our common sense and not making good choices then he would be confused and think that its the right thing to do.
His personality is good also. His personality is nothing his father has. Hes responsible and hes nice and hes doing things that his parents should be doing not him. He should be living a kids life not a adult life in a kids body. But thats a difference from where he lives at and where [for example] I live at. Most kids over where he lives takes care of there siblings and makes sure they are ok and bathed and other stuff. While over here we dont care about our siblings , parents etc. We just care about ourselfs.
To show how he was responsible in taking care of his family. He some seeds he can plant to make food like coco-yams seeds and beans and cassava etc. He had to share-crop and share-cropping was a very slow way of building up a barn of one's own. But he still continues to help his family any way possible.
In Conclusion, his environment has shaped his personality and choices very well. I wished that many of our kids theses days in the USA would be like him because many kids are in that situation where their father may be there but not provide for their family such as the mom , siblings etc. Okonkwo is a very good role model for many people including me because it shows how hes not being selfish and helping his family.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteZakiyyah Banks
ReplyDeleteSeptember 20, 2009
World History
Period 6
I think Okonkwo environment shapes his personality to be determined and independent. If I had to put them two words together to describe him through the definition of place, I would have to say successful.
The reason why I think Okonkwo’s environment shapes him to be determined is because of the way he do things and the way he accomplish what he want to do. Like for example, Okonkwo was determined to never in his life be compared to his father or do the things his father did. He is determined to do better then what his father did. In the text it says, “When Unoka died he had taken no title at all and he was heavily in debt. Any wonder then that his son Okonkwo was ashamed of him?” In the text it also states, “And so although Okonkwo was still young, he was already one of the greatest men of his time. Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered.” This means since he was ashamed of his father he was determined to be and do better than him. Okonkwo’s father Unoka wasn’t even respected during his time of life so just being respected by people from nine villages was a huge accomplishment for Okonkwo. Therefore in his environment he is known for the way he stays determined and independent which bring me to my next point.
According to the text, Okonkwo was the head chief in his village. The text says, “Okonkwo was well known through the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements. As a young man of eighteen he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze.” The text also states, “twenty years or more, and during this time Okonkwo’s fame had grown like a bush-fire in the harmattan. He was tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look. He breathed heavily, and it was said that, when he slept, his wives and children in their houses could hear him breathe.” This means he had the mindset that he could do anything he want to do and do it better than anybody who tried to accomplish his goals.
He was his own person and that is what he loved about himself. Whatever he did it was the best of his ability and he gets recognized for it, which make him one step closer to getting a new title. Even if he’s not doing anything he feels as if he has to do something productive (which I think is because he don’t want to be like his father in any way). He can’t even settle for his children to do anything lazy and improvident because that would remind him of his father and he couldn’t bear to reminisce the memory. Which bring me to my point he his determined to never feel or be his father in any way as well as staying independent to avoid that situation.
This brings me to my conclusion. His neighbors make him stay determined and independent so he can receive a better life for his family and himself which his number one goal. So by using the definition of place determination and independence and if you analyze both words independence and determination, you would get the word successful.
Shania L.Simmons
ReplyDeletePEROID 6
MR.AVERY
WEEKEND ESSAY
Okonkwo’s Environment
I think okonkwo’s environment made him be determent. The reason why I saying that is because all around the village most of the men have yams, and with yams you are powerful. Also because his environment he has to work hard. The environment around okonkwo is farm like land and he his to farm to live.
Also one example of okonkwo’s determent personality is when he said “since I survived that year(the harvest), I shall survive anything”. Now okonkwo’s harvest was bad but he still put his head up and survived. That means even when okonkwo’s environment kind of turn its back him. He still learn to survive.
Because of okonkwo’s environment kind of made his choices. Some of the choices okonkwo had to make are he had to farm a man crop. He had to take care of his family. But the most important choice okonkwo had to make was not to be like his father. That the number one reason because okonkwo’s father was a failure and he doesn’t want to bee like him, therefore that is the number one choice he made in his life. Like it says in the book “patience with his father” or lazy what that means is his father’s laziness drove him crazy even at Okonkwo had no time as child.
The environment in the village shaped okonkwo’s personality because he was a pro wrestler, and that shape him to be hard body like. What I mean by that is he has to rough all round, so he will not look like a punk. All in all his personality is rough because he has to be.
In conclusion, okonkwo’s environment shape him to be determent. He was determent to be not to like his father, also he was determent have and give everything his father did not have. But to me the angry okonkwo has for his father, made him successful and that’s all that matter.
Justin Tiller
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
World history
Okonkwo’s environment shapes his personality, and choices in many ways. Okonkwo grew strong from the people around him. He wanted to be successful, and did not want to be known as a loser or a loafer around his town. His father also had a lot to do with the success of Okonkwo. I also think the competition around Okonkwo about who had the most titles or yams also shaped Okonkwo also.
Another way Okonkwo’s environment shaped him is because he grew up in Umofia his whole life. He learned the traditions and customs around the town. Another way Okonkwo’s environment shaped him because he was loved by the people in his town. He was known for being one of the best wrestlers around. Okonkwo beat a man named the cat. They called him the cat because his back never touched the earth. Okonkwo gave the cat his first loss in 7 years.
One experience that shaped Okonkwo’s environment was when the daughter of Umofia was murdered. Okonkwo noticed the night the crier was heard, It was a silent night. In the book Okonkwo stated “the night he heard the crier it was silent and dark.” He also said “darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them.” Okonkwo knew not to whistle on dark nights because he was raised to believe that it was a way to bring upon evil spirits. He also was raised not to call a snake by its name on dark nights, to call it a string because if someone called it a snake it would hear.
Okonkwo was a warrior unlike his father. In the book it states” Okonkwo was a man of action. Unlike his father he could stand the look of blood. In the last Umofia war Okonkwo was one of the first to bring a human head home.” Okonkwo had collected five human heads and he was still in his youth ages. In the book it says “on special occasions in the village to celebrate he would drink palm wine from his first human head.”
Okonkwo was the head of his house hold, and ruled it very strict. All of Okonkwo’s wives and children were feared of his temper. “Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But all of his life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness” as it states in the book. The book also says “it was deeper than fear. It was fear of himself that he would resemble his father.
One other thing that shaped Okonkwo is his father. Okonkwo really did not like his father because he was extremely lazy. His father raised his family with a low income because he did not work. When he did get money he would blow it all on palm wine and have a party with all of the neighbors. Okonkwo remembers when he was younger he would be hungry because there was not enough food. Okonkwo did want to grow up like his father. He wanted to be successful and did so.
As you can see how Okonkwo’s environment shaped his personality. Okonkwo grew up to be a successful man. He was an exact opposite of his father. I think Okonkwo’s father would be extremely proud of his son that grew up struggling and that had a lazy rolemodle. To me Okonkwo is a great leader.
Justin
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
World history
Okonkwo’s environment shapes his personality, and choices in many ways. Okonkwo grew strong from the people around him. He wanted to be successful, and did not want to be known as a loser or a loafer around his town. His father also had a lot to do with the success of Okonkwo. I also think the competition around Okonkwo about who had the most titles or yams also shaped Okonkwo also.
Another way Okonkwo’s environment shaped him is because he grew up in Umofia his whole life. He learned the traditions and customs around the town. Another way Okonkwo’s environment shaped him because he was loved by the people in his town. He was known for being one of the best wrestlers around. Okonkwo beat a man named the cat. They called him the cat because his back never touched the earth. Okonkwo gave the cat his first loss in 7 years.
One experience that shaped Okonkwo’s environment was when the daughter of Umofia was murdered. Okonkwo noticed the night the crier was heard, It was a silent night. In the book Okonkwo stated “the night he heard the crier it was silent and dark.” He also said “darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them.” Okonkwo knew not to whistle on dark nights because he was raised to believe that it was a way to bring upon evil spirits. He also was raised not to call a snake by its name on dark nights, to call it a string because if someone called it a snake it would hear.
Okonkwo was a warrior unlike his father. In the book it states” Okonkwo was a man of action. Unlike his father he could stand the look of blood. In the last Umofia war Okonkwo was one of the first to bring a human head home.” Okonkwo had collected five human heads and he was still in his youth ages. In the book it says “on special occasions in the village to celebrate he would drink palm wine from his first human head.”
Okonkwo was the head of his house hold, and ruled it very strict. All of Okonkwo’s wives and children were feared of his temper. “Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But all of his life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness” as it states in the book. The book also says “it was deeper than fear. It was fear of himself that he would resemble his father.
One other thing that shaped Okonkwo is his father. Okonkwo really did not like his father because he was extremely lazy. His father raised his family with a low income because he did not work. When he did get money he would blow it all on palm wine and have a party with all of the neighbors. Okonkwo remembers when he was younger he would be hungry because there was not enough food. Okonkwo did want to grow up like his father. He wanted to be successful and did so.
As you can see how Okonkwo’s environment shaped his personality. Okonkwo grew up to be a successful man. He was an exact opposite of his father. I think Okonkwo’s father would be extremely proud of his son that grew up struggling and that had a lazy role model. To me Okonkwo is a great leader.
Naseer Boone
ReplyDelete9/20/09
Mr. Avery
World History
Period 6
I think Okankwo environment shaped him smart and thinkable. His environment wasn’t the best it can be but he wasn’t going to be like his neighborhood. You can tell that he wanted to be the best he can be. Matter of fact, he wanted to be more that he can be. He didn’t just want to be enough. I think he wanted to be successful.
Okankwo was very smart. Early in his life he made the decision that he didn’t want to be nothing like his father. I’ve got that when he said,’’ I want to be everything my father wasn’t,” in the book. That quote to me means exactly what it says. He didn’t want to be anything like his father. He made it very clear.
He is also successful because he has not been beaten in 7 years. He is known in 9 villages and in those 9 villages he has been undefeated. There is also another so-so undefeated man name Cat. I say so-so because he was defeated by Okankwo. They call him cat though because he never touches the ground, well his feet.
In the book it says, “I don’t have time for unsuccessful people.” Now in that quote right there, you automatically know that he is a very success man. If ever in your life you say ,I don’t have time for unsuccessful people, then that tells you that he is also smart, thinkable.
He is also a wealthy man. Okankwo owns 2 of the same physical features which is barns. It is one thing that is mess up is that he has no yams. Without yams you really have nothing. So that is really a piss off. I wouldn’t really call that a mistake but in order for a person to be successful you need mistakes and that is one of them kind of.
Miranda Tynes
ReplyDeleteMr. Avery
Period 8
In the story things fall apart Okonkwo was very determined to become successful. To become successful he wants to do everything opposite of his father. He was a very strong well know name in his nine villages.
His environment shaped him in many different ways. One of them is that he his successful. In his village having a lot of land makes you wealthy. Also he is getting closet to marring his third wife; with this land he had grate agriculture. He has two barns full of yams. Yams are a good source of trade to get other goods that he needed to provide for his family.
He did not like his father at all. In the txt it mentions that he has no time to waist with unsuccessful people. He is raising his son to be just like him. He is doing everything that a good father should be doing and that is providing for his young. With this reason it is able to shape him in being a good father figure. And everyone needs that type of person in there life to look up to.
Another way he is shaped by his environment is by him being a strong wrestler. His is unbeaten in nine villages. Recently he has defeated the other very good wrestler named Cat. Cat was unbeaten until Okonkwo defeated him. People look up to him as a strong leader for this, unlike his father.
Another way his environment shaped him in the way of never giving up. Like his father in a lot of ways gave up on his family. Every time he got some kind of money he went to spend it on something worthless. He was not able to provide for his family like Okonkwo is able to provide his family with anything. His father also gave up on a lot of people around him. He barrowed a lot and never paid back. That shows that he can not be trusted with money. Unlike his father he has not needed to barrow money from any one, because of his success.
Also his environment gave him the good trait of trustworthy. He was such a good person. He never treated some one bad or incorrectly or crool, or owed anything. He didn’t have any belief to treat anyone wrong. And again he had a lot of trust and respect for the people in his villages.
In conclusion, he is a grate role model to look up to for any age; young or older than him. To be successful and honest is a gift to have, everyone can not be as good of a person that he was. He aloso dose not let anyone get in his way of his goal.
Cindy Reyes
ReplyDelete9-20-09
The definition of place is somewhere you can be or exist. I think Okonkwo's environment sort of shapes his personality to make the choices that he makes in his life. Okonkwo lives in a place where honor, power, and certain other things are important. These things are what you have to have or do in order to be a powerful in his village and they are sort of like traditions. That’s why his kids will probably follow the same steps he’s taking. Even though Okonkwo’s seems overbearing it is not entirely his fault. In the environment that Okonkwo lives he has to be strong and I think a little bit ruthless in order to prove his worth in his society or environment.
In order to be in Okonkwo’s environment or society you have to prove a point or do certain things in order to fit in. His society or environment is much like ours when it comes to that but they do it in a different way. In his village in order to be a powerful or honorable man you have to have yams, a couple of wives, a lot of kids and be able to fight. So that’s why in order to fit in he had to gain all these things and in order to be a fighter you have to be ruthless and have no fear. I feel like Unoka Okonkwo’s father didn’t follow society rules and was more like an outcast which to this day still happens.
I believe that the things Okonkwo has to do in his village in order to sort of belong are like traditions. I think that the things he does are like traditions because in his village the things they do are passed down from generation to generation.I don’t think he has a choice unless he wants to be a failure like his father which he doesn’t.In my opinion I think that since he was around an environment where you have to have honor and power he grew up with the mentality that that’s what he has to do or be.
Okonkwo can be overbearing but, maybe I just see it that way because I didn’t grew in the same environment that he did. If I were a guy living in the society or environment that he lives in I would probably act the same way. While growing up you are also being influenced by those around you or in your environment. I think Okonkwo was mostly influenced by his father who in a way showed him how not to act or what shouldn’t be done in his society. That is way Okonkwo doesn’t want to be anything like his father.
Since Okonkwo’s kids are also growing up in the same environment that he grew up in they will probably be doing the same things he’s doing.Or maybe they wont want to be anything like him and act like Unoka. This might also be the reason why kids these days act the way they act because they’re growing up in a certain environment. It might be that or it could be that there parent did the same things and some how that’s what thy teach their kids. most people blame the parents for the most part when a kid misbehaves or does and says something they shouldn’t.
Okonkwo not only had to be strong in order to belong in his society but also for his family’s well being. His father being the failure that he was or the rebel that he was left him to sort of fend for himself and his family. Even though Okonkwo had almost nothing to his name he pushed forward. Plus like the quote in the book says “a proud heart can survive a general failure because such a failure does not prick its pride”. Okonkwo saw his having nothing as a general failure and didn’t let it hurt his pride which is something he learned from living in the environment he lives in.
In conclusion, before I thought Okonkwo was just an overbearing and ruthless man. But, now I see that it might just be because of his living environment and how he grew up. I also see Unoka as more than just a lazy loafer he was yes he was both those things but, he was also a rebel who didn’t exactly conform to his society’s traditions. I also saw Okonkwo’s village as a place that allowed no one to be different. But,I realized that today in our society we kind of dislike others who are different or don’t follow what everyone else does.
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ReplyDeleteCarlos Reyes
ReplyDeleteWorld History
period 8
I believe that in Okonkwo’s environment you need to be a man by achieving goals. That way you’ll earn a title in which shows that you are a successful man .He never gave up on challenges or obstacles that’s basically become a man . By having something such as land and title in his environment makes u one of the best people out there .
To begin with Okonkwo’s environment makes him the exact opposite then his faith Unoke . His father in which was a poor man . Wasn’t so smart with mo ney and didn’t think for tomorrow in fact he kept borrowing money from all his neighbors and ended up in dept and never paid them back. When money came his way he went to go buy palm-wine . Unoke known as such a lazy person he did not have any titles to hand down to okonkwo .
This formed Okonkwo environment beging with the fact that he wanted nothing to do with such a pointless father who died a shameful death , and wanted no memory of him . Okonkwo happens to seek fame in all 9 villages by defeating the Amalinze cat . He fought his own wars in which he collected five heads.Okonkwo with great success at such a young age even got two titles and gone on to marrie his third wife .These are some facts on how this environment he lives in shaped him.
Okonkwo became an success .He had no time to fail. This is stated in the book it "he doesn't have time for unsuccessful people". Knowing he had such a great status he didn’t even want nothing to do with unsuccessful people like his father . Im pretty sure many others and he only became to be familiar with the people who he knew would be a success
Another way Okonkwo was shaped was being a success at farming he owned two barns covered in yams meaning that he was living life to the fullest having every thing and any thing because yams meant your were living a good life . He soon was proved the he was good enough to be treated with greatness . That’s why it states he “he washed his hands and ate with Kings and Elders “ . Meaning even though his father was shame ful he over came it .
I also believe that Okonkwos personality and his wise choices came from the others living in his very own village . Okonkwo’s is a man that believes that men should work hard for what they want .He’s the type of person who stands up for his responsibilities . Also he believes in that you must fight for to survive to gain respect like I stated above he proved this by bring 5 heads home .
In conclusion the environment had changed Okonkwo . Making him strive for exallence and achievements . Him being a great successful in any shape or fourm possible. He never feared anything he was the one to be all ways so brave in almost every thing he did . Okonkwo would never be known or ever be called a failure .
Takia Herrill
ReplyDelete6-7
Okonkwo’s environment shapes his personality, and choices in many ways.Okonkwo Lived in a very bad,poor community.The way Okonkwo community was it made him want to become a better person.In order to be repected or powerful in Okonkwo community.Okonkwo had to be strong inhis community to show every one he was better then his father.
Okonkwo community also shaped him because he knows how his village exspect a man to be or act.So this makes him look up to they standards or better.The communit shapes the choices he make by making him think twice befor he do sometig so he wouldnt be sat aside like everyone else.
I think that Okonkwo didnt realy let his village/community shape him.I think this because he made himself as te man he want to be or he want pepole to see him as.Allso 0konkwo has not been beatin in sevin years thats another reason why he is very sucsesful and well know.
Okonkwo’s is a man that believes that men should work hard for what they want .He’s the type of person who stands up for his responsibilities . Also he believes in that you must fight for to survive to gain respect
Okonkwo really did not like his father because he was extremely lazy. His father raised his family with a low income because he did not work. When he did get money he would blow it all on palm wine and have a party with all of the neighbors. Okonkwo remembers when he was younger he would be hungry because there was not enough food. Okonkwo did want to grow up like his father. He wanted to be successful and did so.
nice post... weight loss
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