Marriage is a Private Affair Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are Okeke's objections to his son's marriage?

Okeke does not approve of his son's marriage because Nene is from Lagos and is a school teacher.

How much time passes from the marriage to the end of the story? During that time, how does Okeke act toward his son?

8 years. He still doesn't want anything to do with his son.

How are Nnaemeka and his father different?

Okeke loses his son because he is stubborn and is unhappy without his son in his life. Nnaemeka decides to pursue his happiness and marry who he loves.

Why does Nene send a letter to Nnaemeka's father?

To let him know that his grandkids want to meet him. Signup and view all the answers

What makes the story's title an example of verbal irony? What purpose does this irony serve?

Marriage is a formal bond between two people, and 'affair' implies breaking marriage vows; by 'affair,' it means keeping it private instead of an actual affair. Signup and view all the answers

In his depiction of the conflict between Nnaemeka and his father, does the author seem to favor one side or the other? Explain.

He favors the son over the father because he focuses more on the son and his marriage. Signup and view all the answers

How would you characterize Okeke? Use details from the story to support your answer.

He was stubborn and didn't want to understand his son's point of view about the marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What might the rain at the end of the story symbolize?

Sadness that the father felt. Signup and view all the answers

The story's subject is a marriage that occurs against a parent's wishes, but what is the story's theme?

Determination. Signup and view all the answers

From what point of view is the story told? How does the point of view shape your response to the story?

Third person; if it were told in first person, the reader could choose which side to favor more easily. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cosmopolitan' mean?

Worldly; sophisticated Signup and view all the answers

What does 'rash' mean?

Reckless Signup and view all the answers

What does 'commiserate' mean?

To feel sorry or pity for; sympathize Signup and view all the answers

What does 'preserved' mean?

Continued despite difficulty or opposition; persisted Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Lagos' known for?

Former capital of Nigeria Signup and view all the answers

Who are the 'Ibo'?

Members of an African ethnic group living chiefly in southeastern Nigeria Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Ibibio land'?

Area of southern Nigeria that is the traditional homeland of the Ibibio Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Okeke's Objections

Okeke disapproves of Nnaemeka's marriage to Nene due to her Lagos origin and occupation as a school teacher.

Time Passage

Eight years elapse from Nnaemeka's marriage to the story's conclusion, during which Okeke remains estranged from his son.

Character Differences

Okeke's stubbornness results in losing his son and enduring unhappiness, while Nnaemeka prioritizes his happiness by marrying for love.

Nene's Letter

Nene writes to Okeke to inform him that his grandchildren desire to meet him, signaling hope for reconciliation.

Irony in Title

The title exemplifies verbal irony; "marriage" suggests formal commitment, while "affair" implies infidelity. Nene's intention is to keep the marriage private, contrasting typical connotations.

Author's Preference

The narrative leans towards favoring Nnaemeka over Okeke, highlighting the son's perspective and his commitment to love.

Characterization of Okeke

Okeke is depicted as stubborn and unwilling to empathize with his son's viewpoint regarding the marriage decision.

Symbolism of Rain

The rain at the story's conclusion symbolizes the sadness and emotional turmoil felt by Okeke.

Theme of the Story

While centered on a marriage opposed by a parent, the overarching theme is one of determination in pursuing personal happiness.

Narrative Perspective

The story is told from a third-person point of view, which influences reader bias; first-person narration could sway favor towards either Nnaemeka or Okeke.

Vocabulary

Cosmopolitan: Suggests a worldly or sophisticated outlook.
Rash: Describes behavior that is reckless.
Commiserate: To express sympathy or pity for someone.
Preserved: Indicates persistence despite challenges or opposition.
Lagos: Identified as the former capital of Nigeria.
Ibo: Refers to an ethnic group predominantly found in southeastern Nigeria.
Ibibio Land: Represents the traditional homeland for the Ibibio ethnic group located in southern Nigeria.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key themes and character dynamics in 'Marriage is a Private Affair'. Explore Okeke's objections to his son's marriage and the impact of time on their relationship. These flashcards are designed to help you understand the emotional conflicts depicted in the story.