Chinua Achebe introduces the protagonist Okonkwo using both indirect and direct characterization throughout the novel things fall apart. Okonkwo is introduced into the story as a powerful man, with a strong personality, and as a professional fighter. Due to his strong personality he is capable of leading a group or a tribe. He is a fearless character who values many things in his life and is loyal to his tribe, family, village, and religion. There is some evidence in the beginning of the story that Okonkwo is a loving person, when he really loved his daughter Enzima, however he hid the love of his daughter so he doesn't look so feminine and so he could still look like a strong person and character.
As the story continues, Okonkwo makes many major mistakes which turned his life around for the worse, from a fairly decent life to a poor one. He accidentally shoots his wife, as well as killing his own son ikemefuna, and killing ezudu's son. His life turns around, and he ends up killing himself due to his careless actions.
Chinua Achebe, the writer chose to have a tragic hero (Okonkwo) in the play, in order to show the life of an african society and community, and they're daily struggles they face to solve the problem of colonization.
The character of Okonkwo is also used to show the audience that western colonization at the time was a horrible thing for Africa, since he hung himself in the end of the novel. Okonkwo's fall wasn't the only in the story, as there were many other characters that faced the same issues over western colonization, however his was the one that stood out most considering the fact he decided to hang himself.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Paper 1 speech analysis practice
We shall fight on the beaches is the common title given to a speech given by the former British leader Winston Churchill. The speech was delivered to the House of commons British Parliament, in 1940 during World War 2 warning the parliament of a possible German attack. In this analysis I will identify the use of literary techniques and rhetorical devices throughout the speech.
"At any rate that is what we are going to try and do. That is the resolve of his Majesty's Government-every man of them. That is the will of the parliament and nation."
The above lines are said by Churchill in the very beginning of the speech, and makes it clear who the intended audience of this speech is. We know that the targeted audience of the speech are the people and public of Britain; However the above lines tell us that the intended audience is the parliament more specifically rather than the nation in general. We know that because he says: "That is the will of the parliament and nation."
"Even though the large tracts of Europe and many old famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail."
This quote in the speech makes two significant statements, and also lets us know the overall purpose of the speech. In the above lines, Winston Churchill reminds and states that many strong European nations have collapsed and defeated by nazi Germany in the past, However he shows his intentions of keeping his country stable, safe, and not surrendering to any nation and especially nazi Germany no matter what.
"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone."
Those lines above are the opening words of Winston Churchill's speech. The opening of the speech makes the purpose clear as well. Churchill once again assures and repeats that Britain should be safe and successful during the brutal war. The overall purpose of the speech is to have his nation Britain is to defend themselves incase there are any attacks aimed towards them during the World War.
Throughout his speech, Churchill continues to use repetition, exaggerating the importance on how Britain should have itself ready for anything and the worst, while also reminding the parliament about the other great nations that failed in wars previously.
"Even though the large tracts of Europe and many old famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail."
Once again going back to this quote, Winston Churchill installs fear into his parliament and the public by constantly using the strategy of repetition, constantly repeating that many great nations have failed before.
Churchill's tone in this speech sounds very inspirational, and is extremely confident. Throughout the entire speech, he shows belief in his people and country, However he also inserts some fear.
"I have myself, full of confidence."
This is one of the many lines where Churchill shows his optimism and confidence in his people and nation. He speaks in an inspiring tone, especially when approaching the end of his speech when he talks about what they need to do to keep themselves safe from enemies such as nazi Germany. He inspires the parliament and his people.
Overall, I think this speech was delivered nicely by the former British leader Winston Churchill. He is constantly optimistic and confident of his nation's abilities throughout the speech, and on the other hand he also warns them of threats and other nations, trying to make them fear. Many rhetorical devices are used throughout the speech, which is what makes it a great speech, since a speech without rhetorical devices cannot be successful. There was also a lot of repetition throughout the speech.
"At any rate that is what we are going to try and do. That is the resolve of his Majesty's Government-every man of them. That is the will of the parliament and nation."
The above lines are said by Churchill in the very beginning of the speech, and makes it clear who the intended audience of this speech is. We know that the targeted audience of the speech are the people and public of Britain; However the above lines tell us that the intended audience is the parliament more specifically rather than the nation in general. We know that because he says: "That is the will of the parliament and nation."
"Even though the large tracts of Europe and many old famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail."
This quote in the speech makes two significant statements, and also lets us know the overall purpose of the speech. In the above lines, Winston Churchill reminds and states that many strong European nations have collapsed and defeated by nazi Germany in the past, However he shows his intentions of keeping his country stable, safe, and not surrendering to any nation and especially nazi Germany no matter what.
"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone."
Those lines above are the opening words of Winston Churchill's speech. The opening of the speech makes the purpose clear as well. Churchill once again assures and repeats that Britain should be safe and successful during the brutal war. The overall purpose of the speech is to have his nation Britain is to defend themselves incase there are any attacks aimed towards them during the World War.
Throughout his speech, Churchill continues to use repetition, exaggerating the importance on how Britain should have itself ready for anything and the worst, while also reminding the parliament about the other great nations that failed in wars previously.
"Even though the large tracts of Europe and many old famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail."
Once again going back to this quote, Winston Churchill installs fear into his parliament and the public by constantly using the strategy of repetition, constantly repeating that many great nations have failed before.
Churchill's tone in this speech sounds very inspirational, and is extremely confident. Throughout the entire speech, he shows belief in his people and country, However he also inserts some fear.
"I have myself, full of confidence."
This is one of the many lines where Churchill shows his optimism and confidence in his people and nation. He speaks in an inspiring tone, especially when approaching the end of his speech when he talks about what they need to do to keep themselves safe from enemies such as nazi Germany. He inspires the parliament and his people.
Overall, I think this speech was delivered nicely by the former British leader Winston Churchill. He is constantly optimistic and confident of his nation's abilities throughout the speech, and on the other hand he also warns them of threats and other nations, trying to make them fear. Many rhetorical devices are used throughout the speech, which is what makes it a great speech, since a speech without rhetorical devices cannot be successful. There was also a lot of repetition throughout the speech.
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