Tragic makes Magic: Things Fall Apart

In the wake of what was a rigged and clearly fixed rap battle, it is time for another much anticipated blog post.

Before we launch into todays enthralling topic, its time for the WOW word of the post! The word, assuage is a verb that defines something that makes (an unpleasant feeling) less intense. Perfect for DP students who in the onset of their demanding study routines have been assuaged from impending enervation by being given a number of internal assessments and other written tasks.  (Harmless Sarcasm)

The topic of this post, the novel ‘Things Fall Apart,’ written by the great Chinua Achebe was crafted with infinitesimal detail, paying attention and utilizing so many different elements of story. The protagonist, Okonkwo, one of the most complex and sophisticated characters in literature presents great depth as the focus of the story. This stoic character with an immeasurable drive to not become the failure his father was is seen coming to the end of him when his world, eponymous of the title, falls apart. Categorized in the archetype of a tragic hero, Okonkwo also serves as a shining yet flawed exemplar of Igbo culture. An integral part of the novel, cultural context is intrinsic to the content and story of the novel, with Chinua using such arcane elements as to add to the authenticity of the world and story he is portraying, making it applicable to the real world. However, the question is, “why has Chinua chosen to characterize Okonkwo as a tragic hero?” A tragic hero by nature possesses a notable few key characteristics, one of the main ones being Hamartia. Okonkwo’s hamartia, in my opinion, is his brashness and incessant desire to not become his father.  A trait that drives into becoming a powerful yet isolated individual, estranged from those who really matter. The in conjunction with his hubris ultimately leads him to his downfall. In this way Chinua has chosen to characterize Okonkwo in such a manner as it emphasizes the meaning on the story through indirect means. For example, creating a character so passionate about his culture yet seemingly oblivious to its internal relations (what it says about how individuals should live and act) is literally pushed to his breaking point when it is taken away from him. Okonkwo’s position as a tragic hero makes him all that more perfect as the viewpoint from which the events are observed. A stoic figure, who believed himself better than all those around him, brought down to nothing, humbled in the worst way possible and fall that stands out and resonates with the reader in an unforgettable way.

Till next time, live long and prosper.  

Written Task1: Twentieth Century Travels to Igbo Land

Tired of the usual, mundane rituals of daily life? Looking to break away from staid routines for a thrilling, new adventure? … Then we have the answer for you. It's time to experience the adventure that is Igbo Land!

A recent acquisition of the British, the African Land of Igbo land has become an extension of this Great Empire in the south. Atypical to the usual British lifestyle, the culture of Igbo land is fascinating with all citizens urged to experience this distinctive society. An extension of our pride as a nation it is imperative for us to see these conquests as not trivial displays of dominance but instead positive expansion – bringing to others what they have yet to know they need. This being said there is much to these people that we should too experience as to understand others best, one must submerge themselves within their reality. 

One of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, Igbo culture culture is home to 15 million people in Nigeria with other millions outside. A divided people of nearly 200 groups, our aims are to bring unity and education to these societies, assimilating them into a higher standard of living. Having been in the same geographical area for over 2000 years, Igbo people have smelted and forged iron for centuries, using the tools made from this to grow yams, bananas, plantains and various other byproducts of agriculture. One of the key elements one should keep in mind when visiting such a place is to be sensitive towards the native’s culture. An intrinsic and inextricable part of their lives, in order to maintain amicable relations it is important to be respectful towards the beliefs of the Igbo people.

Home to a set of unique beliefs and values, the Igbo people ascribe to views of life after death, holding up concepts of reincarnation and chi in high stead. Expressed through their various proverbs and folk tales, a practice among the indigenous people that is worth experiencing, the Igbo people believe there to be a variety of spirit animals ubiquitous in their land and surroundings. They believe these spirits to take form in natural phenomena i.e. lakes, rivers, hills and caves – things that we as people ascribe no significant value to. The reason for all this being their superstitious foundation, believing in a supreme being they refer to as Chukwu. An ethereal being that dwells in the skies - acting as the origin of all the things as well as the directing the activities of all things. In such a culture, the line between the physical and supernatural is as thin as air, as the people themselves believe that the byproduct of living in peace with ones ancestors in good health and long life. Ideas absurd the minds of rational beings such as ourselves, it is interesting to gain perspective on the outlooks of others, gaining new experiences, no matter how barmy they may be.  Another great thing the Igbo people possess are artefacts of great spiritual significance; the Ikenga, a wooden carving present in the houses of the Igbo people, is symbolic of a man’s strength and success, and can be brought back as a souvenir, standing as a symbol of what we as an Empire already have!

Finally the way of life among such a people is equally as fascinating. Antediluvian in its nature, Igbo land has a lack of any perceivable centralized political structure. An element that is soon to change, given the much needed aid of the British Government; these autonomous towns are governed by the elders of the town who congregate in what they refer to as an Obi, which from what we discern means ‘a meeting place.’ Known for being extremely democratic, these systems of Government relied heavily upon direct participation from what they call Cross Cutting Ties. Of which the five most important institutions are the Council of Elders, Age groups, council of chiefs and respectively the woman’s association and other secret societies. Different to the political system of ours, which revolves around a single ruler apart of a monarchy, the Igbo people also foster a culture that honors achievement. This reflective through a Proverb of theirs, “If a child washes his hands he can eat with kings.”

So with an interesting array of different facets of life to experience, a trip to Igbo land seems almost to good to be true. However in such a time like this we have the keys to the Kingdom and would be foolish to not make the most of them! So plan today and visit the diverse land that is Igbo land!

Kennedy Speaks!! (My Gift to you all)

The Hallmark of every new beginning in American Politics, the Presidential Inaugural Address signals the successful transition of office from the former to the current. Classified as a political speech, this text type that is rife with rhetoric, is generally characterized as having a theme - this theme being coherent and developed over the general progression of the speech. Delivered on the 20^th of January 1961, President John F. Kennedy, a younger president sought to inspire the nation with a renewed vigor to take pride and initiative for their country. In this way, President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address showcases the power of political speeches in imbuing and evoking emotion through the use of varied rhetoric.

The first and foremost feature of any text type is the intended audience and purpose. Acting as the foundation of the text, these act as the guidelines from which all ideas are developed and written. In this Address, it is made clear from the very onset of who the intended audience is, “Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, reverend clergy, fellow citizens.” Referenced to the American People, the audience is also stated to be made up of the preceding Government: President Eisenhower and Vice President; intentionally included this implies an amicable transition, ushering in the new Government, this is made clear in the speech itself through Kennedy’s statement, “ The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” The main purpose of this speech is to inspire the citizens of the United States. Kennedy evokes a sense of security and reaffirming this spirit of idealism, which reassures Americans of their nation's strengths and inspires them to serve their country and world. Taking on its issues and welfare as their prerogative, "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." Dazzled by his poise and moved by his eloquence, Americans proudly embraced the vigor and vision of their young president. A theme developed throughout the speech, the content of the speech also seems to bring together many themes that connect and correlate to the text’s main purpose.

An integral part of this speech is its content and structure, these serve to build ideas as well as expound on others to create well balanced and substantiated argument.  Following a natural progression Kennedy starts by referencing America’s past leading into its promising future. “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago … We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.” Referencing the past, Kennedy’s uses this in setting a benchmark for the future, reminding Americans to never forget and neglect their heritage including all their country has endured. “And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God,” this use of antithesis again reminding the people of the ideals on which their society was founded upon also is seen as a transition; Kennedy is seen shifting from the past into the present, describing these beliefs as not only pertinent to past but instead relevant and prevalent to the modern world. Continuing on to various esoteric affairs relevant to the time, Kennedy develops the theme of civilian involvement as being integral to country’s success, “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.” Constantly returning to this theme of civilian involvement, Kennedy builds this theme successfully encouraging Americans to view their country and its well being as their prerogative, promoting a culture of honor and responsibility that takes ownership accepting the issues and acting on them as one body in a collaborative manner. “Now the trumpet summons us again-not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need--not as a call to battle, though embattled we are--but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"--a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself,” an example of Anaphora and Tri- Colon that further serve to emphasize the aforementioned point, calling all American to serve in this on going struggle that is in its final stretch.

An element present in the final sentence of the previous passage is rhetoric. A feature found throughout this speech, this contributes largely to the style and theme of Kennedy’s address accentuating ideas in ways impossible through literal terms.  These work in highlighting the tone and mood of the passage as. Kennedy’s use of rhetoric in conjunction with his speech’s purpose and structure all portrays a tone of anticipation and hopefulness for the season ahead.

Through the repeated use of metaphor, anaphora, chiasmus and various other forms of rhetoric, Kennedy ascribes greater relevancy and meaning to issues and ideas otherwise overlooked or even seen in an extenuated manner. One of the key examples of this, present in paragraphs 13-16 is Kennedy’s intentional use of Anaphora. In his address to foreign relations, each statement begins with the words “Let both sides …” this when repeated four times creates effect, as the idea of both sides repeatedly mentioned together implies a message of Global unity, and additionally an idea that will not be forgotten. The use of anaphora can often serve to evoke a reaction out of a crowd as repeated words create emphasis and tend to evoke a greater reaction seeing as a theme is being built through succinct phrases with an overarching climatic tone.  Similarly the statement, “Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce,” a use of asyndeton as well as hyperbole creates an atmosphere and anticipation, anticipation for grandeur and feats never been done before. The intentional omission of conjunctions between parts of the sentence emphasize the theme of the grandeur as listing such bold statements one after the other inspires and evokes an emotion of overwhelming excitement which often in political rallies is expressed verbally through cheers of those in attendance. Finally, an infamous statement taken and publicized from this address, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country,” a blatant use of chiasmus, the reversal of two or more clauses creates and artistic effect that once again reminds the American people of their responsibility as individuals, driving home this idea in a statement that would never be forgotten through the continuing evolution of American history. 

In conclusion, it can be seen that the purpose of rhetoric in conjunction with a theme is to accentuate. With the analysis of President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, an understanding of its structure and organization substantiate the characteristics of a political speech verifying its purpose including the various means through which it is written. The use of Rhetoric language, present throughout the speech serves as a marker of the power of the English Language in creating global influence.

Readers Digest V2

In the words of the real slim shady, “I’m Back.” Jumping right back where we left off its time for the WOW word of this post. A themed word, this one is slightly esoteric as it only applies to those who play some sort of woodwind instrument. I know what you’re thinking, what kind of specialized word would this be and when can I start using it! Well fear no more for the word is, “embouchure.” The use of facial muscles and the shaping of the lips to the mouthpiece of woodwind instruments or the mouthpiece of the brass instruments, this word is handy for everyday life. An example would be, “I was unable to play in jazz band as I lacked the embouchure required for such instruments.”

Recently in class we had a shared inquiry discussion in regards to an interview with Chinua Achebe. An insightful interview and discussion; my greatest takeaway was a question posed by a very own classmate. In regards to Chinua’s reference to a globalized society with one culture, the question was whether or not this would be possible given the dominance of western culture around the world. This question resonated with me as I came to the realization of there being two realities to it. The ideal one being that of a globalized culture that is an amalgamation of all the world’s cultures, displaying great heritage and diversity or a dominant culture that assimilates the rest of the world into it. The latter the darker of the two and often the overlooked, it occurred to me that both accomplish the requisite. A dominant western culture that overtook the entire world would indeed be one, unique, globalized culture. This was a great revelation as it widened my horizons to something I had never considered and gave me greater understanding of how the world works. So the real question is, “Do we want one globalized culture and can cultures mix without comprising on their integrity?”