how does okeke saying "i will never see her" try and persuade nnaemeke from marrying nene in involking fear and his families support

Answer 1

In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," Okeke's statement "I will never see her" serves as a powerful emotional appeal aimed at dissuading Nnaemeka from marrying Nene. This statement can be analyzed in terms of how it invokes fear and the importance of familial support in their Igbo culture.

1. Fear of Familial Disapproval: By explicitly stating that he will never see Nene, Okeke is emphasizing the potential for a permanent rift in the family. This threat acts as a way to instill fear in Nnaemeka about the consequences of his decision. The fear of losing familial relationships and support is a significant concern in traditional societies, where community and family ties are paramount.

2. Cultural Expectations: Okeke's statement reflects the expectations of the Igbo culture regarding marriage and family. By marrying Nene, Nnaemeka would be defying these cultural norms, and Okeke’s refusal to accept her represents the harsh consequences of going against family expectations. This fear of social isolation can weigh heavily on Nnaemeka's decision-making.

3. Emotional Manipulation: Okeke is using emotional leverage to sway Nnaemeka's feelings. The thought of a father who will not accept his son's future wife can create a deep sense of guilt and concern. Nnaemeka may fear that choosing love over family loyalty will lead to an unhappy life without his father's support.

4. Highlighting the Importance of Family: In many cultures, including the Igbo culture portrayed in the novel, family plays a crucial role in individual decision-making. Okeke's words highlight this cultural significance, reinforcing the idea that personal choices have broader implications on family honor and cohesion. By invoking the fear of losing familial support, Okeke is trying to persuade Nnaemeka to reconsider his decision in favor of family loyalty.

In essence, Okeke's declaration not only serves to express his personal disapproval but also encapsulates the broader themes of cultural expectations, familial loyalty, and the fear of social alienation, all of which contribute to the complexity of Nnaemeka's situation regarding his marriage choice.