In Chinua Achebe's short story "Marriage is a Private Affair," Nene fails in her efforts to persuade Nnaemeka primarily because she does not fully understand or acknowledge the depth of his cultural and familial ties. Nnaemeka is torn between his love for Nene and his loyalty to his father and their traditions.
Nene's failure lies in her inability to appreciate the significance of Nnaemeka's arranged marriage to a woman chosen by his father and the broader cultural implications that come with it. While she approaches the situation from a more modern and individualistic perspective, Nnaemeka feels a strong sense of obligation to his family and his father's wishes, which are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. Nene's focus on her personal feelings and desires blinds her to the complexities of Nnaemeka's situation, leading to a disconnect in their understanding of each other's values and responsibilities.
Ultimately, Nne's lack of acknowledgment of the weight of tradition and familial expectations contributes to her failure to persuade Nnaemeka to fully embrace their relationship over the expectations laid out by his family.