*Grabs and plucks flower*
Nwoye, Okonkwo, Nwoye, Okonkwo, Nwoye. I am not who they want me to be. I am not my father. The manliness of our village, Mother, scares and intimidates me. But I know that it is foolish to be womanly. It is said that a boy turns into a man only when he knows of this. But this is not the case for me. Growing up as the eldest son, Father always had higher expectations for me no matter what I did; whether doing chores or taking care of my brothers and sisters, Father always expected nothing less than the best. A year ago was the closet I came to pleasing Father, the year when Ikemefuna was still alive. I can still recall the day Father returned to his obi from the forests without him. I felt my insides turn to ice, numbness spreading like a contagious disease throughout ever inch of body as I watched Father’s grave face. Watching him slump onto his bed, I knew my brother was gone and soon the heavy burdens that came with being the eldest came crashing onto me again with impossible force. Once again I had become not only my Father’s but Umuofia’s lost cause. The death of my brother sparked mysterious feelings of rage and confusion. These were the same feelings that courses through my veins every time twins are banished. Life should be treasured, not carelessly thrown away; Ikemefuna committed no crime yet he was murdered. He was murdered by an Oracle he never met, the very Oracle that brought him to our village. This is why I chose to join them, those who do not judge me. I can now life my life the way I choose without expectations pressing me down. Nwoye, Okonkwo, Nwoye, Okonkwo, I am neither.
*Beheads poor flower*
My name is Isaac.
Great memorization and effort put into it. The flower as a prop was an added effect, plus the ending was certainly worthy of the presentation. I like the change from confusion to anger and confidence. Nice job Douglas!
ReplyDeleteYOU KILLED THE FLOWER ):
ReplyDeleteAside from that, your monologue was fantastic. Excellent memorization and amazing acting. Your script overall addresses virtually all aspects of Nwoye's life and effeminate personality. Nwoye's progression through the monologue is very apparent as in the beginning,Nwoye is very dependent upon his father's approval and as the monologue progresses, he 'grows up' as he begins to think independently and of what he truely wants.
Hello Douglas!
ReplyDeleteI really loved the way you used certain words in your monologue and gives me a set of images that are indescribable. These imagery words or "flowery" language as some would say adds a special feeling to it which I do not know how to explain well.
I also liked the way you hinted of his change in beliefs and culture. "This is why I chose to join them, those who do not judge me." Without even saying it outright, I like your way of telling us indirectly and how you do not focus on the part of Nwoye becoming a Christian, but instead, his thoughts as he grew up.
I also loved the way you started and ended the monologue. The flower part was very effective and different. And now I shall pray for that poor little flower you killed. :(
You memorized your monologue really well. The flower was a really good choice for a prop because it symbolized Nwoye in a way. Nwoye is not a "masculine" man like his father wants his to be. But his father forces him to follow the ways of the Igbo. Okonkwo destroys Nwoye's originality and personality, like you pulled the flower's petals off. The flower was also a good way of representing Nwoye's inner conflict. He does not know if he should be himself, or miserably follow in the footsteps of his father.Christianity seems to offer Nwoye an escape from his trouble and decisions. The way you pulled off the flower's head and threw it on the ground suggests that the old, timid Nwoye is gone an a new, determined Nwoye has taken his place. The action really emphasized the fact that Nwoye has made his decision and is not looking back.
ReplyDeleteGood job and the flower was really creative!