After the egwugwu destroy the Christian church in Umuofia, Okonkwo regains a little bit of respect for his clansmen. Indeed, he seems positive that life could be on the track to becoming normal again for him and for the clan. But when the District Commissioner imprisons and beats the leaders of Umuofia, including Okonkwo, for the burning of the church, the white men cross a significant line of confrontation. The court messengers treat the leaders like filth. The messengers and the District Commissioner threaten to hang the leaders if a fine is not payed quickly. As a demonstration of the white man’s greed, the court messengers increase the fine so they can get more for themselves. Umuofia springs to collect the cowries, and the leaders are freed.
How has the white man’s treatment of the Ibo changed since the leaving of Mr. Brown? What reaction do these tactics bring out in the people of Umuofia?
Monday, November 2, 2009
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