Marriage is a Private Affair
- Chinua Achebe
Introduction
Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) is an acclaimed Nigerian poet, novelist, and literary critic. His “Marriage is a Private Affair” is a short story which talks about the life of a young couple, Nene and Nnaemeka. The story delas with the conflict between the tradition and modernity through the love marriage of the said couple.
The Conflict
Nene
and Nnaemeka are living in Lagos. At the
beginning of the story, Nene asks Nnaemeka to inform his father about their engagement.
But, Nnaemeka hesitates to notify his father since he is a traditional man. His
father, Okeke, is from the Ibo tribe. In their culture, the parents choose brides
for their sons. Nnaemeka has already received a letter from his father stating
that Okeke has chosen him a bride Ugoye. He praises her as a good Christian
girl. So he knows that his father will not accept his decision to marry a woman
on his own.
The Decision of the Father
Nnaemeka visits his father and tells him about his engagement with Nene. He informs him that she is from a different tribe and she is a teacher. Okeke says that this engagement is Satan's work. He insists that women should not teach. He tells his son that he will never meet Nene in his life. Okeke disapproves of the marriage and excommunicates his son. Nnaemeka hopes that one day his father will relent and accept him. Unfortunately, Okeke remains obstinate and refuses to acknowledge the couple since they have broken the tradition.
The Reconciliation
The married couple live happily in the city. Slowly, they are accepted by the Ibo members living in Lagos. Nene sends Nnaemeka’s father a letter which informs that they have two children. In the letter, Nene asks Okeke if she can send them to visit their grandfather. After reading the letter, Okeke feels guilty for rejecting his son’s family. Simultaneously, a rainstorm occurs. Okeke visualizes his grandsons standing in the rain. That night Okeke is unable to sleep. He fears that he will not live long enough to meet his son and his family. Thus, the story talks about the transformation of Okeke from a rigid person to an accepting personality.
No comments:
Post a Comment