Okwonko Analysis

How does Okwonko develop themes in the text as a tragic hero?

Okwonko, the protagonist of Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart, has been introduced by Achebe, as a leading character who doesn’t tolerate weakness, during the early stages of the post-colonial novel. Various assumptions are made by the readers about Okwonko as a result of direct and indirect characterizations made by Achebe, who describes Okwonko as “tall and huge”, and who implements, the idea of fearing weakness and failure in the protagonist. As the novel progresses, we are introduced to the theme of fate vs. free will, which was clearly represented when Okwonko kills Ikemefuna (Okwonko’s adopted son who he loved, but feared of showing sympathy towards, fearing that others would think of him as weak as his father) after being advised to not interfere. However he killed Ikemefuna in order to show enhance his manly-hood in the eyes of the Igbo people. His fate then later on takes over his free will, since he takes his own life by hanging himself, which is considered to be a shameful and disgraceful death like his father's. This opposes his views regarding being masculine and the achievements that he accomplished as he wished to become a more dominant leader. This all leads to Okwonko being a tragic hero. Although he was a superior character, however his tragic flaw brings upon him his own self-destruction, which was lead by violence, anger and masculinity.

What is the purpose and function of Okwonko in Things Fall Apart?

Okwonko represents the African community going through the struggles of colonialism of the Western nations. The characteristics of Okwonko show how some people refused to joined and give in to the colonialism, and instead stood their grounds and held on to their traditions and morales. Okwonko did not find support from the Igbo people, which represents the very few Africans that refused to accept the white culture as their own. The way Okwonko died describes the conditions that the Igbo people faced along with various African communities, showing that opposing the white culture results in death.

Most Meaningful Takeaway

The previous class discussion was based on Chinua Achebe’s interview and how he felt about the international success of his book. What I found interesting was the fact that even though english was the language that oppressed the Africans, they still learned it and used it to communicate and educate themselves. Chinua thinks that the english language can be used as a way to resist the forces of racism and the sense of superiority over them by knowing a language that they don’t. Also the fact that they were shown as a nation of problems and conflict that is dependent on the western nation to come and save them was pretty interesting, since I realized how biased the media has been for quite some time now. We discussed the reasons as to why the western nation would feel the need to portray the Africans that way and many of us agreed that it was done so in order to give a moral explanation to slavery. Overall the entire discussion had interesting ideas that widened my understanding of the racism and slavery that took place, and how the Africans dealt with it; through Chinua Achebe’s book.

Paper 1 Practice

Inaugural Address
John F. Kennedy

The chosen text that I will be analyzing is conveyed and published in the form of a political speech by John F. Kennedy. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address was held on Friday, January 20, 1961. An Inaugural Address is a form of speech that is delivered by a leader who aims to share his or her intentions as a dominant figure with the audience. This speech takes place during an inauguration, which is a formal ceremony held to mark the very first steps of a public leader. Knowing that the text was an Inaugural Address and delivered by one of the most memorable American leaders, allows us to determine, recognize and identify the text as a speech. Speeches given by leading American presidents generally console the commonalities of their citizens by referring to the American history, significance of the occasion and most importantly to hope for a thriving future.

Kennedy’s speech aimed to reassure Americans of what their nation is capable of, “United there is little we cannot do”. The “we” in the previous quote resembles unity and sympathy shared by the leader with his supporters. Simultaneously projecting a sense of security in the eyes and hearts of his fellow supporters, who showed their support by embracing the young leader’s vision. Kennedy then moves on to educate and inspire the American society to serve their homeland and the world, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man”. By referring to the world in contrast to America, further enhances the ideologies portrayed to the audience, as it views the United States of America as a vicious side that the world is in need of.

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address is considered to be the finest and most eloquent speech to be given by a president in the American history. Kennedy’s speech marked the 44th presidential inauguration, while at the same time the cold war was taking place, as he starts off by saying "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to insure the survival and the success of liberty”. These previous lines indicate the situation that Kennedy and his nation were in. The hardships that the Americans lived with were all shifted away as Kennedy gave his speech, giving Americans hope and a mission to further build their uprising nation.

The tone was that the speech was set on and the way the speech was conveyed tells us a lot about Kennedy’s character. The tone allows the speech teller to feel more empowered and project this power to the audience. Kennedy used formal and sophisticated vocabulary, showing his eloquence and intelligence. For example, “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans”, the previous lines further portray Kennedy as an intellect leader, his usage of antiquated words resemble his care for the nation’s history while thriving for a superior future.

Literary devices give authors the opportunity to express what they want, as a result Kennedy took an advantage of that as he used detailed and impacting key literary devices allowing him to portray his ideas more efficiently. Ethos, Pathos and Logos were present in this text. Ethos for example, “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago”. The previous quote is an example of Ethos, as Kennedy’s political background provided him with tools to take on the audience from all around the world in his speech, including the Soviet Union. Pathos was also relevant in the context where Kennedy said, “let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own”. That shows Pathos since Kennedy assures that there is a common god and a mutual belief in him, the usage of both “we” and “us” signify equality although Kennedy is considered to be the president of the most powerful nation in the world. Last but not least, Logos was evident as Kennedy said, “United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures”. In the previous quote Kennedy states the fact that working together allows their nation to succeed as a whole better.

Rhetoric devices were also frequently plotted in the text, such as Antithesis, Repetition and Metaphor.
Antithesis is when there is contrast of ideas in parallel structures or words, it was evident when JFK said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. Repetition however, is a word or phrase used two or more times in close proximity, such as, “For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life”. Metaphors are the most commonly used form of rhetoric devices, where there is an implied comparison through a figurative use of words, for example as Kennedy referred to poverty as chains that need to be broken by working together, “the chains of poverty”.

Over all JFK's speech was constructed and delivered in a superior manner. Rhetorical devices being implemented in his speech further built up his leading character in the eyes of his supporting audience. His Inaugural Address was one of the most successful speeches in US history, and all the factors contributing in the previous statement were thoroughly discussed in the previous analysis.

IOC practice

http://vocaroo.com/i/s0Z0PxikUGAJ

The tempest
Act 3 Scene 2
IOC – Practice

Act 3 Scene 2 compromises and clarifies the theme of seeking power. In previous contexts, we were introduced to Stephano and Trinculo, a butler and a jester respectively. The two characters were the last and final minor characters to be introduced by Shakespeare in The Tempest. The usage of these minor characters by Shakespeare, emphasize further on the theme of colonialism, as they are deduced to be a parallel to the main plot. Stephano and Trinculo both resemble the two main characters Antonio and Sebastian, as both pairs seek and plan murder in order to thrive and be powerful. The idea of Antonio and Sebastian planning to murder King Alonso is being metaphorically enhanced by Shakespeare, being relevant to Stephano and Trinculo planning to murder Prospero. Both Prospero and King Alonso represent great power in the previous context. Shakespeare’s intention by adding these two characters was to create some comic relief, in order to drive the audience’s attention away from the seriousness of the main plot.

Lines 98-138
The lines start by Stephano asking whether Miranda was beautiful (line 98), Caliban then replies by saying, “Ay, lord; she will become thy bed, I warrant, And bring thee forth brave brood”(99-100). The reply made by Caliban starts by him referring to Stephano as ‘Lord’, which settles the condition that Caliban is in, showing that once again he is being looked down upon. Caliban’s response also indicates Miranda’s innocence and virtue, as he relates being beautiful will mean being good in bed, without mentioning the fact that she is a virgin.

 Stephano then speaks, “Monster, I will kill this man: his daughter and I will be king and queen – save our graces – and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys”(101-104). The previous lines by Stephano further enhances the innocence of Miranda, as long ago it was known that queens are to be married virgins. As Stephano Continues, he demonstrates dominance by referring to Caliban as  “Monster” and asking Trinculo and Caliban to be his viceroys.  Caliban tends to seek self-power, even though it will mean that he will have to give up Miranda for Stephano, this shows that Caliban’s main intention is to seek power and to be freed from Prospero.

“Give me thy hand: I am sorry I beat thee; but, while thou liv’st, keep a good tongue in thy head”(105-106), Stephano said. These two lines indicate how loving and caring Stephano can be to be people how support him. This brings us back to theme of dominance, as the more powerful tends to be harsh on the weak.

Caliban then adds, “Within this half hour will he be asleep: Wilt thou destroy him then?”(107-108). After Caliban asking whether or not Stephano will kill Prospero in the next half an hour, Stephano replies by saying “Ay, on mine honour”. This emphasizes on the idea of dominance and power. Showing that murdering the powerful will only mean more power and honor for the murderer.
Ariel has been sent by Prospero in order to inform him of the plan set against him. Ariel being invisible and listening the three character’s conversation, he then tells himself “This will I tell my master”(109). Shakespeare made Ariel say this in this scene, in order to portray the divergence between the two spirits, Caliban and Ariel. Caliban and Ariel both tend to find freedom from Prospero, yet each of them approaches it in a different way. Caliban tends to do so by complaining, betraying and cursing Prospero. While on the other hand, Ariel tends to maintain his dignity and his freedom by serving Prospero willingly.

Caliban then reassures that he is being very happy, “Thou mak’st me merry”(110). This further shows Caliban’s character, believing that happiness only comes through revenge. This again shows contrast between Ariel and Caliban, both seek happiness and freedom, but having different mind sets about how to approach it.

(120-125) In these lines Shakespeare uses the two minor characters to further explain the theme of monster versus man. By showing that the two characters were scared when they were confused whether Ariel was a monster or an invisible man.

Caliban then asks, “Art thou afeard” (127). This is ironic since Caliban in the beginning of this scene was expressing his hatred towards Prospero, then he hides under cloak fearing that one of Prospero’s spirits were sent to torment him.

This is followed by a quote from Stephano saying, “No, monster, not I”(128). This shows a bit of an irony, because just before Caliban asked his question, Stephano was asking for mercy from the invisible Ariel showing how scared he was.

“The isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices,
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds me thought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me, that, when I waked,
I cried to dream again” (129–137)

In the previous speech by Caliban, we are reminded by the close connection Caliban has with the island. This shows that Caliban is not just a symbolic “native” of the colonial surrounding theme of the play. But we now know that he is in fact a native of the island. “Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not”, this line shows the relationship between him and the island, further emphasizing his love and deep attraction towards the island and that he is deeply affected by the foreigners colonial invasion of his land. Irony is conveyed in the rest of the lines because, at the beginning of the scene Caliban shows hatred towards Prospero, the island, and the spirits sent by Prospero to chase Caliban around the island; however he is now portraying his deep passion for the island and it’s beautiful aspects, such as the harmonious sounds that “That hum about Caliban’s ears” as he sleeps, the clouds that seem so heavenly to Caliban in which he believed that they would open up and release their riches, and finally he talks about how he doesn’t want to wake up from his sleep because of how restful the island is. All this exhibits Caliban’s self interest for seeking power, as he is only started to tolerate Ariel’s actions that has once made him fear and curse Prospero. Caliban’s intentions is to show Stephano and Trinculo that there is nothing to fear, which is in order for the plan to work out, and then Caliban will thrive for power.

Linguistic Imperialism

To start with, Linguistic Imperialism is the process of imposing a language upon speakers of that language. It is important to be able to communicate across generations. As a matter of fact, a language dies every 14 days, resulting in 5,400 languages going extinct in 90 years from today. In this case, the english language is being imposed and enhanced by many factors, the main one being that the english language is the most well-known language across the world.  As expected, the top world rankings of universities are all english speaking. As a result a milestone or a barrier is being set in front of those who seek education but lack the ability to communicate in the required language. English teachers would refuse a student or an applicant, based on the person's inability to express themselves in english. An example of Linguistic Imperialism would be a variety of schools in Middle Eastern countries such as Kuwait or Qatar, altering their school systems as well as language requirements to english. This is done in order to educate the nation and prepare them for a more modern and perhaps a better outlook on their futures. Having their youth master the english language and its systems brings the entire country several steps ahead, in terms of political and economical power, since the youth are shaping their countries future.  This is an advantage and although the english language may be eroding the Arab language as well as the culture gradually, one can profit from long term benefits.

Paper 1, Text 2 Analysis

To start with, this article has been published by Oxfam, which is considered to be one of the worlds leading confederations to ever fight poverty and worldwide casualties. Having that said, it was expected that this article would be read by a variety of supportive countries to that specific cause. This article evolves around the idea of informative advertisement, while simultaneously educating people and encouraging them to show their support and act against the crisis that will fall upon Sahel’s nations. Oxfam’s writer takes an advantage of spreading awareness and educating, to advertise his own company that is considered to be the source of his income.

This piece of advertisements follows basic article-like format. Containing three separate sections explaining the crisis, the hardships and the situation in Sahel, and finally explaining the action that is being taken to resolve these dreadful issues. The format aims to persuade and educate the intended audience of this article. Arguably the intended audience are the more wealthy and fortunate people from other regions. Basic language has been used in order to expand the range of wealthy people, since they can be from any age group, and from various countries that don’t obtain English as their first language. The writer did that in order to allow his audience to invest in his company and support the previously stated issue. Furthermore, he does that by using ethos, logos and pathos through applying statistics and describing what the issue is really like.

The article starts with an eye-catching quote saying, “The humanitarian response must tackle the underlying causes of crises like this to prevent them from recurring”. The previous quote attracts readers that are interested in such cases, who are most probably organizations aiming to support different regions from all around the world.

After making sure that people started reading the article, they included a small paragraph in bold, explaining facts and statistics about recent casualties that occurred in West and Central Africa. It thoroughly explains that 12 million people throughout Africa have been facing food crisis following erratic rains. By educating people using these kinds of information, they are creating a kind of sympathy, which will then be used to informatively advertise themselves in order to gain attention and support from the people from all around the world. Following that, the writer continues to explain how the situation in Sahel is like. He explains how the production of important goods is decreasing in comparison to the five-year average. In the next couple of sentences, it is clear that logos is used, which is when factual information is being included to enhance an advertisement. Recent reports and claims have been included, which is used to emphasize on the main casualty, and to more accurately describe the situation in Sahel, and the kind of negative effect that the crisis is having on the people and their life-style. For example, “Recent reports said over 5.4 million people (35% of the population) are estimated to be vulnerable to food insecurity”. The previous quote has been taken directly from the article, as the author states dramatic statistics and numbers that further enhance his argument.

Moving towards the end of the article, the writer uses “we” and “us” when he wants to refer back to the Oxfam charity and their aims. The usage of these two words helps describe them as what they are claiming to be or addressing themselves as. It helps create a better understanding of their actions, leading to them gaining the support of the people and different organizations. Which is the main reason of such an article to be published by such a confederation.