Marriage is a Private Affair

             Okeke in Chinua Achebe's "Marriage is a Private Affair" is an example of a man who changes from his traditional ways. Okeke's change shows characteristics of being a stubborn and resentful person until he comes to the realization that family is more important.
             Okeke is perceived as a traditional man whit ancestral upbringing. Thus Okeke is conflicted on the subject of his son, Naemeka marrying a woman outside of his tribe. Okeke's idea of marriage is that no matter what, a man should only marry a girl from their tribe. At first the news of Naemeka's marriage fills Okeke with disbelief. For example, after Naemeka informs Okeke he says, "What did you say?" he asked slowly and disconcertingly. (468) Eventually, Okeke even become resentful towards his son. Okeke show this when he says, "I owe it to you, my son, as a duty to show you what is right and what is wrong. Whoever put this idea into your head might as well have cut your throat. It is Satan's work." (469) Okeke is showing here that he is totally against his sons doing and thinks that he is brainwashed. Okeke is a stubborn father because even when Naemeka say, "You will change your mind, Father, when you know Nene." Okeke replies "I shall never see her." (469) Okeke even shows prejudice toward his sons marriage. He show this when he says, "I can't have you in my house...It can be of no interest to me where or how you spend your leave- or your life, for that matter." (470) As Okeke thinks about the grandchildren the author then pretty much leaves you with the question "How could he shut his door against them?" (471) Thus Okeke finally does change when realizes that he has neglected his grandsons and the relationship a grandfather and grandchildren should have.
             As you can see, Okeke is a man that goes through a change in his life. These changes are usually not bad, but because...

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Marriage is a Private Affair. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 10:15, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/89192.html