Drama and its Significance in Human Culture
Drama is an important part of human culture because it expresses emotions and feelings through action and dialogue and is a way to tell stories and share experiences. It allows individuals to empathize with others and understand the experience of being humans more because they can relate to characters in the pieces of literature. Drama enables human beings to explore different aspects of humanity that they might not be able to explore in their everyday lives.
Elements Noticed in the Novel
There are elements in the book that help in contrasting characters. One example is when Okonkwo tells Obierika that he has failed “because he did not kill his son” (Chinua, 1994). Obierika responds by saying that Okonkwo has failed because he allowed himself to be ruled by his emotions (Chinua, 1994). This conversation allows the reader to see both Okonkwo’s and Obierika’s humanity and to understand both characters differently. Another example is Okonkwo’s treatment of his wives and children, which demonstrates his fear of being like his father in several ways (Chinua, 1994). He is harsh with them, demanding their complete obedience and often resorting to physical violence.
This week’s Drama and Final Understanding
My work with drama this week provided new ideas about the novel and the final portfolio. I learned that the British intentions toward the blacks affected cultural values in Africa as the novel was set in the colonial period. Achebe chose to write about the traditions and values of the Igbo people to show that they had their own rich culture before the British came. The novel is about the Igbo people, their way of life, and how the British changed it. The Igbo people have different values from the British, and these values conflict throughout the novel. New revelations about literature are useful for the final portfolio and novel. I also learned that the author uses proverbs to add to the novel’s richness by providing insight into the characters’ thoughts and motivations. They act as a reminder of the importance of tradition and the need to respect one’s elders.
Finally, this week’s drama has helped me understand that through drama, people can share their culture and traditions with others, and they have a way to entertain themselves and their families. People can use literature to express their views and emotions in a deliberate manner to influence societal changes. Today, people can still learn much about the ancient Greeks by studying their plays.
Reference
Chinua, A. (1994). Things fall apart. New York: Anchor.