Chinua Achebe's 'Marriage Is A Private Affair'
Chinua Achebe’s “Marriage Is a Private Affair” is based on three main artistic ideas; setting, character, and point of view. Achebe’s “Marriage Is a Private Affair” tells the story of young Nnaemeka breaking tradition to marry the girl he loves. Nnaemeka is from the Ibo tribe, whereas Nene comes from Ibibio tribe. The two tribes believe it is best to never coexist, especially in marriage. Nnaemeka’s father, Okeke, is a really religious person that would never approve of the marriage. While looking into the three main ideas, we’ll see how they deal with his father’s disapproval.
The story takes place in Nigeria, Lagos, home of the Ibibio tribe and Nene. Some of the story also takes place in the land of the Ibo tribe, where Nnaemeka and his …show more content…
Whoever put this idea into your head might as well have cut your throat. It is Satan’s work.” He waved his son away. (Achebe) The narrator seems to know the story, but never appears or says anything. Since he’s not in the story, you always get an unbiased view from him. “Marriage Is a Private Affair” is told in the 3rd person point of view since you never hear from the narrator. The characters in the story all seem to be worried. Nene is a hopeless romantic who is scared her fiancés father won’t approve of her. She doesn’t let that small but important fact affect how she feels about Nnaemeka; she still wants to marry him. Okeke is very religious and doesn’t believe in marrying outside of the tribe. He has arranged for his son to marry Ugoye Nweke when he returns. Nnaemeka refuses to marry Ugoye and tells his father about Nene. His father says he needs a good Christian woman, but doesn’t approve of Nene being a teacher, “Teacher did you say? If you consider that a qualification for a good wife, I should like to point out to you, Emeka that no Christian woman should teach” (Achebe). Nnaemeka is scared throughout the story of telling his father of the marriage, knowing he won’t approve. Nene doesn’t care that he doesn’t approve, but Nnaemeka really wants his father’s
The story takes place in Nigeria, Lagos, home of the Ibibio tribe and Nene. Some of the story also takes place in the land of the Ibo tribe, where Nnaemeka and his …show more content…
Whoever put this idea into your head might as well have cut your throat. It is Satan’s work.” He waved his son away. (Achebe) The narrator seems to know the story, but never appears or says anything. Since he’s not in the story, you always get an unbiased view from him. “Marriage Is a Private Affair” is told in the 3rd person point of view since you never hear from the narrator. The characters in the story all seem to be worried. Nene is a hopeless romantic who is scared her fiancés father won’t approve of her. She doesn’t let that small but important fact affect how she feels about Nnaemeka; she still wants to marry him. Okeke is very religious and doesn’t believe in marrying outside of the tribe. He has arranged for his son to marry Ugoye Nweke when he returns. Nnaemeka refuses to marry Ugoye and tells his father about Nene. His father says he needs a good Christian woman, but doesn’t approve of Nene being a teacher, “Teacher did you say? If you consider that a qualification for a good wife, I should like to point out to you, Emeka that no Christian woman should teach” (Achebe). Nnaemeka is scared throughout the story of telling his father of the marriage, knowing he won’t approve. Nene doesn’t care that he doesn’t approve, but Nnaemeka really wants his father’s