Sunday, 2 November 2014

Is this a story about the clash between traditional African and modern Western values? Explain, giving examples from the story to support your answer.

The
primary conflict in Achebe's short story "Marriage is a Private Affair" concerns
Nnaemeka's decision to forego the traditional Igbo marriage custom in favor of marrying the
woman of his dreams. In the traditional Igbo marriage custom, parents dictate who their children
marry. Nnaemeka's father, Okeke, is a staunch traditionalist, who has already chosen a bride for
his son. However, Nnaemeka harbors Western values regarding love and marriage. Nnaemeka
dismisses the traditional Igbo custom and embraces Western principles by proposing to Nene
against his father's will. In doing so, Nnaemeka severs his relationship with Okeke, who shuns
him for eight years. Despite Nnaemeka's numerous attempts to repair their relationship, Okeke
remains resolute and refuses to speak to his son. Okeke's character represents traditional
African cultures ,while Nnaemeka represents Western values. The disagreement between the two
characters underscores the theme of culture clash, which Achebe explores throughout the short
story.

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