Due Dates: A Block Monday, 12/6
B Block Tuesday, 12/7
Please read Chapter 10 and respond to the prompts below. Your responses must incorporate a quote and be between 3-5 sentences.
1. Do you believe the author used this description of the trial to represent order and justice? Or was it intended as a mockery of native customs?
2. What similarities did you find between the justice system you are familiar with and the one depicted in the novel?
3. We have frequently discussed how this text can be viewed as sexist. What instance in Chapter 10 would prove as an argument to say that it is not?
I do believe this because the nine egwugwu consulted with each other and decided if what Uzowulu did was right and if he had the right to do it. They listened to both sides of the story and decided how to handle this situation and how to punish if punishment was needed. “’Your words are good,’ said the leader of the egwugwu. ‘Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good’” (Achebe 91).
ReplyDeleteThe similarity between the justice system today and the one depicted in the novel is that there is a person who judges and listens to each side of the story. There are also witnesses who agree if this is true. “He sat down again and called two witnesses. They were both Uzowulu’s neighbours, and they agreed about the beating” (Achebe 92). Then they decide how to treat this case and issue punishments if needed.
Throughout this book, most of the parts were sexist. However, in Chapter 10, the part where the egwugwu listened to the wife, Mgbafo’s, side of the story tells us that the people were not so sexist. When it came to domestic violence involving miscarriage and beating while recovering from illnesses, people did not take the men’s side. “’Two years ago,’ continued Odukwe, ‘when she was pregnant, he beat her until she miscarried.’ …’What kind of lover sleeps with a pregnant woman?’ There was a loud murmur of approbation from the crowd” (Achebe 91).
Lisa He A1
I think that the author did use the trial to show justice because both sides had a chance to voice their opinions. I thought was pretty nice considering all the sexism portrayed throughout the book. Also, I think the judges were trying not to be biased (Although I personally think that a cup of wine is hardly enough to pay off nine years of beating). "When all the egwugwu had sat down... Evil Forest addressed the two groups of people facing them" (Achebe 90).
ReplyDeleteThe similarities I found between the trial in the book and the justice system I know is that they both have judge like figures. "So I have brought the matter to the fathers of the clan" (Achebe 91). Also, both sides are allowed to have a go in defending themselves. I think the system in which we can see both the arguer's points of views is the most effective way to end a problem.
Before this chapter, our minds are set that the book is very sexist. Yet by reading this chapter, it kind of softens that statement. We are able to see for the first time that in some cases, women can be treated (almost) equally in this society. "Go to your in-laws and beg for your wife to return to you. It is not bravery when a man fights with a woman" (Achebe 93).
Zen Sugino
A2 Literature
1. I believe that this system is in favor of justice. As stated by Evil Forest, "We have heard both sides of the case. Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute", (Achebe 93). I doubt that the author would mock the native customs mentioned in the book, as he seems to really want the reader to understand how this society operates and develops.
ReplyDelete2. I noticed that before each person were to speak they would have to say "Our father, my hand has touched the ground", (Achebe 90). Then, Evil Forest, who is similar to a judge in modern day, says something along the lines "Uzowulu's body, do you know me?", (Achebe 90) for each of his cases. This is remarkably similar to how trials work today. Actually, I'm not sure if they do this anymore, but the judge (Evil Forest) would ask the witness or victim something along the lines of "Do You Swear To Tell The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth?", where the victim/witness, with their right hand on the bible would reply "I do". I find it amazing that Okonkwo's society is so advanced with this matter. The only thing I notice is that Evil Forest seems to have a bit of a personal opinion of some matters, which affects the outcome of the trial. Well, hey, you probably see that today too.
3. The trial that happens in chapter 10 at one point talks about how Uzowulu beat his wife. "During those years no single day passed in the sky without his beating the woman", (Achebe 91). We can see that beating your wife as a punishment is something that happens a lot in this sort of society, but seeing how there is a trial over it seems to be foreshadowing how woman rights will be introduced into the society.
1. I think that the author used this description to describe justice. It is because they had this proper way of judging, since each sides were equal, and they had a chance to say their opinion. Also, the judges were equally fair, and listened to both sides without abusing. "Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute" (Achebe 93).
ReplyDelete2. One of the similarities I found in the book and the real world was that both sides have the rights to say and protect their opinion. In both places, people can say their situation and their opinion. "Uzowulu's body, I salute you...addressed humans as "bodies"". (Achebe 90). Also, in this scene, the judges are treating them equally. I think the justice system is both similar.
3. In this chapter, women were also equally included in the trial. They had the chance to say their opinion, and one women was included in the group. "There were three men in one group and three men and one women in the other" (Achebe 87). I thought this was an unusal thing in this book, since this book was very sexist before this chapter.
Shiori, B4
Janet Choi A1
ReplyDelete1. I do think that the author wrote about the trial to represent justice. The nine egwugwu gave both Odukwe and Uzowulu a chance to talk. Also, they tried to be fair and not against one side. “’We have heard both sides of the case,’ said Evil Forest. ‘Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute’” (Achebe 93).
2. I noticed that they have similar figures that resemble the people in the modern court. The Evil Forest and the nine egwugwu are similar to judges. Also, the fact that both people have a chance to speak is similar to that of the modern court. “’Your words are good,’ said the leader of the egwugwu. ‘Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good’” (Achebe 91).
3. This book’s chapters can mostly be viewed as sexist. However, chapter 10 is not. The fact that there is a trial held because of beating a woman shows that women are treated almost equally as men. “’My in-law, Uzowulu, is a beast. My sister lived with him for nine years. During those years no single day passed in the sky without his beating the woman’” (Achebe 91).
I think author used the trial to represent justice. The nine egwugwu gave them a chance to insist about their opinions. However, I disagree with equality of the treatment. “Uzowulu stepped forward and presented his case” (Achebe 90).
ReplyDeleteInstead of finding similarities, I found many things that I disapprove. Therefore, I would like to write from different perspectives. In Japan, if you do domestic violence, you have to go to jail and judgment will be carried out, however in Africa, they punish by their own system such as cutting genitals. African system is worse than Japan’s, but Japan commits consequences by understanding how the victims felt. Cutting the genitals are obviously worse than going to jail, however I don’t think it’s a right way to suffer and reflect. “Our father, my hand has touched the ground, replied Uzowulu, touching the earth” (Achebe 93).
There is nothing to argue. It’s an utter sexism. Even if Uzowulu did a bad thing, there should be other way to atone. Cutting the genitals is one of the worst thing people can do. They must respect others and be faithful. I would consider that this is a threatening. “Uzowulu should recover from his madness and come in the proper way to beg his wife to return she will do so on the understanding that if he ever beats her again we shall cut off his genitals for him” (Achebe 92).
I thought that the author used the trial to point out the honor because both sides had a chance to voice their opinions. I thought was pretty cool that he showed the sexism. I also think that the judges were not trying to be biased. "When all the egwugwu had sat down... Evil Forest addressed the two groups of people facing them" (Achebe 90).
ReplyDeleteI noticed for the second quote, that they have the same figures that show the people in the modern court. The Nine Egengwu similar to judges. Also, the fact that both people have a chance to speak is similar to that of the modern court. “’Your words are good,’ said the leader of the egwugwu. ‘Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good’” (Achebe 91).
In this quote, women were fairly treated. They had the opportunity to speak out, and one women was included in the group. "There were three men in one group and three men and one women in the other" (Achebe 87).
MIKE
I think the author wanted to symbolize justice through the trial. The trial was not very aggressive, and the egwugwu allowed them to recite their opinions with ease. They also did not react in a nasty way, but they considered what the people said to them. "'Your words are good,' said the leader of the egwugwu" (Achebe 91).
ReplyDeleteThe justice system today may be a little more open. When you talk to the judges, you do not have to respect them and worship them like a god. Yet, they let you speak in a reasonably free manner. Now, the trial in the book did show justice, however the people had to greet the egwugwu in a special way to show their great respect. "'Ours father, my hand has touched the ground'... How can I know you, father? You are beyond our knowledge'" (Achebe 90).
To be honest, this might be one of the most sexist chapters. It says that the trial was only for men to watch even though there was no harm of woman watching. Moreover, the whole argument was also about women, and it was mentioned that Uzowulu bought his own wife. Yet, one small thing that could be said not sexist. There was a woman in the trial as well. "There were three men in one group and three men and one woman in the other" (Achebe 87). For once, a woman was allowed to take place.
I believe that the trial is there to symbolize justice. Uzowulu and Odukwe both had a chance given by the nine egwugwu’s, to talk about both of their opinions. “‘Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good.’” (Achebe 91). This shows that the egwugwu appreciated if he heard from both sides to make it seem fair.
ReplyDeleteThe similarites I found between the justice system in modern life is that there is a judge, and a witness. And it was weird to see that these people also had the opportunity to talk, and make the judge make a sage decision. “‘Uzowulu’s body, I salute you,’” (Achebe 93). This is one part of the book were they clearly show equality.
3. This whole chapter is basically about Uzowulu beating his wife. Since this book is all about sexism, I could argue that there wasn’t too much of sexism shown through the chapter compared to other parts of the book. “No woman ever asked questions about the most powerful and the most secret cult in the clan” (Achebe 88). This quote shows that usually the ladies don’t get much chance to speak out what they are thinking. So in this chapters case, there were not too much of sexism shown.
I believe that the author described the trial to represent order and justice. Both sides were able to say what they wanted to say, and the judge listened fairly to both sides. " 'We have heard both sides of the case,' said Evil Forest. 'Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute' "(Achebe 93).
ReplyDeleteThe similarities between the justice system we're familiar with and the one depicted in the novel was that there was a judge like character in the novel and there is always a judge in real court. Also there are witnesses who agree if the person talking is saying the truth. "He sat down again and called two witnesses. They were both Uzowulu's neighbors [...]" (Achebe 92).
This whole book is sexist and even though in chapter 10, there are some parts in the text where sexism is not shown, I still think sexism is shown. "It was clear from the way the crowd stood or sat that the ceremony was for men. There were many women, but they looked on from the fringe like outsiders" (Achebe 87). Also, "These women never saw the inside of the hut. No woman ever did. They scrubbed and painted the outside walls under the supervision of men" (Achebe 88).
Lisa Shimazaki
A1 Literature
1.yes; i believe that this system is to represent order and justice, because the nine egwugwu gave them a chance to voice out about their opinions. “’Your words are good,’ said the leader of the egwugwu. ‘Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good’” (Achebe 91). Since both of them had a chance to voice out their thoughts; the judgment was fair.
ReplyDelete2. The thing that is similar with the judgement made today is that there is a person who makes judgment; who listens to both of side's story, and decides its judge. There are still some points that is different; the difference is that there is more 'care' to the person who makes judgment back then, at Okonkwo's time. Now, you can say what ever you thing; even though you still need care, you don't have to respect that much. “Our father, my hand has touched the ground, replied Uzowulu, touching the earth” (Achebe 93).
3."Go to your in-laws and beg for your wife to return to you. It is not bravery when a man fights with a woman" (Achebe 93). We all had the image of this book as a "sexist book" before this chapter. In this chapter, Egwugwu listened to the wife, Mgbafo’s, thoughts. This tells us that the people were not so sexist at this point.
Suzu Hiroyama
Literature A1
12/6/10
1. I do believe the the trial held represents just and order. The nine egwugwu were fair enough to listen to claims from the both sides, having witnesses of the case as proofs. "Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute" (Achebe 93). You can see from the quote that their judges has nothing to do with power or unfairness, bu just to maintain order and bring justice.
ReplyDelete2. I would think there are much more differance rather than similarities in the justice system. Though both listens to both claims equaly and made commemts and questions while they were witnesses sitting watching the whole event like the trials we do now. " The nine egwugwu then went away to consult together in their house"(Achebe 92). The differance is how they have ine judges discussing while we usually have a judge and lawyers instead. They're trial are more spiritial and religious, when the trials we know now focuses more on the crime made.
3. " He told you he came to take back her bride-price and we refused o give it to him" ( Achebe 91).From this text you can see that man could actually "buy" woman as their brides with a price which you can also get the money back if the woman left or threw her out. Woman was oviously treated like objects, one you can sell and buy and own. They were not treated equally rather more of a thing than human. Scenes like this show sexist strongly in the book.
A1 Catherine
1. I believe, because maybe the author wanted to show that not the whole book is sexist. It is maybe to show how they concluded their big problems, and how it relates to the Evil Forest. "When all the egwugwu had sat down and the sound of the many tiny bells and rattles an their bodies had subsided, Evil Forest addressed the two groups of people facing them" (Achebe 90).
ReplyDelete2. I found some similarities between the justice system now and in the novel. One was that there were judges who listens to both sides of what happened. "'Your words are good,' said the leader of the egwugwu. 'Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good"(Achebe 91).
3. Even though this book can be very sexist, in chapter 10 it wasn't as much. They held a trial over a woman who was beaten by Uzwulu, every single day. It shows that men and women were treated equally. "My sister lived with him for nine years. During those years no single day passed in hte sky without his beating the woman" (Achebe 91).
1. I believe that the author used this description of the trial to represent order and justice because he showed the slightest hint of equality in a book that revolves around sexism and segregation. Not only was the decision made by two different groups and people of both sexes, but the fact that Uzowulu and Odukwe were both aloud to voice their opinion and their side of the story, made this trial both equal and just. "Two little groups of people stood at a respectable distance beyond the stools. They faced the elders. There were three men in one group and three men and one women in the other" (Achebe 87).
ReplyDelete2. The similarity between the justice system of today, and that of Okonkwo's time is the fact that there is a judge or a judge-like figure in both times. Along with a judge, there is also a witness to help the "court" make their decision, which is another similarity. "Evil Forest rose to his feet and order was immediately restored....He sat down again and called two witnesses. They were both Uzowulu's neighbors, and they agreed about the beating" (Achebe 92).
3. In the past chapters of Things Fall Apart, the feel of this book was strongly sexist, where women were treated less important than men and were not treated as people. In Chapter 10, we can see the almost-equal treatment and recognition of women, which was not present in previous chapters. When the Evil Forest told Uzowulu to go and beg for his wife to return to him, this showed equality to Odukwe because she was proven right which meant she had rights. "'Go to your in-laws with a pot of wine and beg your wife to return to you. It is not bravery when a man fights with a woman'" (Achebe 93).
Shannen Romero Perez
A2 Literature
1. I believe that the author used the description of a trial as order and justice. This was mainly because both sides had their own chance to voice out their own opinions, and listen to both sides of the story before they decide anything such as punishment. This surprised me because up to this point in the story, there was a lot of sexism and other forms of segregation. "We have heard both sides of the case. Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute" (Achebe 93).
ReplyDelete2. I noticed that they way they let different people from different perspectives voice out their opinions are similar to how a modern trial or court would work. Everyone would first have a chance to speak of what they believed in, not considering their position of the situation. I saw the same representation in this part of the book. "'Your words are good,' said the leader of the egwugwu. 'Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good'" (Achebe 91).
3. Although I thought that most of this book would include many sexist aspects of the culture, I think that this chapter is one of the chapters that don't necessarily bias people because of their gender. Since they are holding a trial because of the act of beating a woman, it illustrates that they at least care about women in some ways, and are somewhat equal compared to men. "During those years no single day passed in the sky without him beating the woman" (Achebe 91).
Rina Dishman
B4 Literature
1. I believe that the use of this description of trial by the author is to represent justice and order. First of all, the two people were able to express themselves and discuss their opinions and the leader would judge what is right. "We have heard both sides of the case. Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute" (Achebe 93). Although a lot of segregation and also sexism is seen in the book, some of the rights are respected and valued.
ReplyDelete2. Here, the way they put in trial problems are really similar to some of the government in our actual world. We could see the leader as the judge who would listen to both sides of the story to find a solution which seems the best. "'Your words are good,' said the leader of the egwugwu. 'Let us hear Odukwe. His words may also be good"(Achebe 91). By hearing both side, Evil Forest is trying to settle the problem as well as a judge would in a court.
3. Sexism is one of the main idea we can get from this book. However, in this chapter, the violence against a woman is judged and discussed. Even though the woman were considered to be weaker, and less important than man, they still have some rights and so, a man fighting a woman is not viewed as a good behavior. "It is not bravery when a man fights with a woman'" (Achebe 93).
Kana Ikezawa
A2 Literature