How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The arrival of her new twin daughters had a subduing effect upon Nnu Ego. She felt more inadequate than ever. Men—all they were interested in were male babies to keep their names going. But did not a woman have to bear the woman-child who would later bear the sons? "God, when will you create a woman who will be fulfilled in herself, a full human being, not anybody's appendage?" she prayed desperately. "After all, I was born alone, and I shall die alone. What have I gained from all this? Yes, I have many children, but what do I have to feed them on? On my life. I have to work myself to the bone to look after them, I have to give them my all. And if I am lucky enough to die in peace, I even have to give them my soul. They will worship my dead spirit to provide for them: it will be hailed as a good spirit so long as there are plenty of yams and children in the family, but if anything should go wrong, if a young wife does not conceive or there is a famine, my dead spirit will be blamed. When will I be free?"
But even in her confusion she knew the answer: "Never, not even in deaths. I am a prisoner of my own flesh and blood. Is it such an enviable position? The men make it look as if we must aspire for children or die. That's why when I lost y first son I wanted to die, because I failed to live up to the standard expected of me by the males in my life, my father and my husband—and now I have to include my sons. But who made the law that we should not hope in our daughters? We women subscribe to that law more than anyone. Until we change all this, it is still a man's world, which women will always help to build." (15.152-153)
Nnu Ego is so frustrated with her life, and how the people around her judge her based on whether or not she has male children. She realizes she is trapped by social expectations. Even death will not bring her peace.
Quote #8
By the mid-fifties Nnaife knew that even if it was not time for him to go finally to his Maker, it was high time he moved nearer. For generations the Owulums had been laid to rest in their corner of Ibuza, Idum-ohene, and he had been hoping one day to go back there; he had not consulted the rest of his family, for as far as he was concerned he was the family. He was looking forward to when Oshia left school and took over earning for the family; then he, Nnaife, would not longer have to work and would lead a life of indolence and ease, drinking palm wine with his friends…(17.1)
Before his death, Nnaife expects to have a good life. But in the tradition of his family, he also expects to be buried in his family's burial grounds.
Quote #9
Nnaife pointed out to her that the children were her children. "Will they remember me when I am old? No, they will remember only their mother. And have you not noticed that women stay longer than men on this earth? So why should I give up my day's work for a son who has spat in my face?" (17.45)
Although Nnaife has always favored his sons because they offered him immortality, in the tradition of the Ibos (i.e., passing on his name). He rejects them when their behavior is bad, and he suggests that they won't remember him or honor him when he dies anyway. He feels no obligation to emotionally support a son who refuses to do his duty by his father.