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CULTURAL CONFLICTS EXPERIENCED BY OBI OKONKWO AS REVEALED IN CHINUA ACHEBE’S NO LONGER AT EASE

A Thesis

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree

in English Language Education

By: Susanti Malasari Student Number: 041214124

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION

SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA

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CULTURAL CONFLICTS EXPERIENCED BY OBI OKONKWO AS REVEALED IN CHINUA ACHEBE’S NO LONGER AT EASE

A Thesis

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree

in English Language Education

By: Susanti Malasari Student Number: 041214124

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION

SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA

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vi ABSTRACT

Malasari, Susanti (2009). Cultural Conflicts Experienced by Obi Okonkwo as Revealed in Chinua Achebe’s No Longer at Ease. Yogyakarta: English Language Education Study Program Sanata Dharma University.

This thesis discusses a novel entitled No Longer at Ease written by Chinua Achebe. It is about a young man, Obi Okonkwo, who returns from studying abroad in England. The influence of western culture makes Obi Okonkwo live with two different cultures. It makes Obi Okonkwo rebel against his Ibo traditions and customs. That is why he tries to break the rule of the tradition by making a decision to marry an osu. However, Obi Okonkwo’s parents, friends and also lover stand against his decision because it is clear that marrying an osu is forbidden in Ibo society. The clashed perception between Obi Okonkwo and his relatives, friends and also his lover leads him to the main conflict of the novel.

There are two problems formulated in the problem formulation, they are: (1) How is Obi Okonkwo’s character described in the novel? (2) How does western culture influence the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo?

The method of this study is library research. There are two main data that the writer used in this study: primary data and secondary data. The primary data is the novel No Longer at Ease. The secondary data is the data that are used to support the analysis such as some books in literature, sociology, culture and also some articles related to Ibo and Western culture taken from the electronic sources.

In order to answer the first problem, the writer used theories of character and characterization. To find out the answer of the second problem, the writer used sociology theories, cultural theories, review on Ibo and Western culture in particular those related to marriage. In addition, the writer used sociocultural approach because it deals with the influence of culture on a conflict in one’s life.

The analysis of the first problem shows that Obi Okonkwo is described as a smart, dishonest, idealistic, responsible, educated, loving and caring person. On the other hand, the analysis of the second problem concerns with the influence of Western culture on the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo. It is concluded that Obi Okonkwo’s decision to marry Clara is the cause of the major conflict. It happens because Obi Okonkwo has been influenced by Western culture that makes him have new perceptions about marriage.

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vii ABSTRAK

Malasari, Susanti (2009). Cultural Conflicts Experienced by Obi Okonkwo as Revealed in Chinua Achebe’s No Longer at Ease. Yogyakarta: Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Universitas Sanata Dharma.

Skripsi ini membahas sebuah novel berjudul No Longer at Ease karangan Chinua Achebe. Novel ini menceritakan tentang seorang laki-laki muda bernama Obi Okonkwo yang baru saja kembali dari Inggris. Pengaruh kebudayaan barat membuat Obi Okonkwo hidup dengan dua kebudayaan yang berbeda. Hal itu membuat Obi Okonkwo menentang tradisi dan kebudayaan Ibo yang dianutnya. Oleh karena itu, dia mencoba untuk melanggar tradisi masyarakatnya dengan membuat keputusan untuk menikahi seorang osu. Akan tetapi, orang tua, sahabat-sahabat dan kekasih Obi Okonkwo menentang keputusannya karena masyarakat Ibo melarang seseorang untuk menikahi osu. Perbedaan persepsi diantara Obi Okonkwo dengan kerabatnya, sahabat-sahabatnya dan kekasihnya membuatnya masuk ke dalam konflik utama dalam novel ini.

Ada dua masalah yang dinyatakan dalam rumusan masalah: (1) Bagaimana karakter Obi Okonkwo dideskripsikan? (2) Bagaimana pengaruh budaya barat terhadap konflik utama yang dialami oleh Obi Okonkwo?

Skipsi ini menggunakan metode studi pustaka. Ada dua sumber utama yang digunakan dalam skipsi ini: sumber utama dan sumber kedua. Sumber utamanya adalah novel No Longer at Ease. Sumber keduanya adalah data yang digunakan untuk mendukung analisis seperti buku-buku tentang kesusasteraan, buku-buku tentang sosiologi, buku-buku tentang kebudayaan dan juga beberapa artikel tentang kebudayaan Ibo dan kebadayaan barat yang diambil dari sumber-sumber elektronik.

Untuk menjawab pertanyaan pada masalah pertama, saya menggunakan teori penokohan. Untuk menemukan jawaban masalah kedua, saya menggunakan teori sosiologi, teori budaya, dan ulasan tentang budaya Ibo dan budaya barat pada khususnya yang berhubungan dengan pernikahan. Saya juga menggunakan pendekatan sosial-budaya karena analisis skripsi ini berkaitan dengan pengaruh budaya terhadap konflik dalam kehidupan seseorang.

Analisis masalah pertama menunjukkan bahwa Obi Okonkwo adalah seorang yang pandai, tidak jujur, idealis, bertanggung jawab, berpendidikan dan penyayang. Analisis masalah kedua membahas tentang pengaruh kebudayaan barat terhadap konflik utama yang dialami oleh Obi Okonkwo. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa keputusan Obi Okonkwo untuk menikahi Clara adalah hal yang menjadi sebab konflik utama. Hal tersebut terjadi karena Obi Okonkwo telah terpengaruh oleh budaya barat yang membuatnya mempunyai persepsi-persepsi baru tentang pernikahan.

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ix

I face inconvenience to get something precious in my life...

God gives me this chance to prove that I can make one of my

dreams comes true...

However this is not the end of my efforts because there is a

greatest dream that I want to achieve...

This thesis is gratefully dedicated to:

My beloved parents

My younger brother

My Sun

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all I would like to thank my God, Allah SWT for the Most Gracious love, mercy and guidance in all my life. His strength empowers me to face this hard life especially in writing my thesis. Allah is the only power in my life. I would like to thank Mrs. Henny Herawati, S. Pd., M. Hum. for her time, advice, ideas, comments, suggestions and also for her patience in guiding me during the writing process of my thesis. She is much more than a thesis advisor. She is a very great thesis advisor. I also would like to thank Sister Margaret, Paskalina Widiastuti Ratnaningsih, and Silvia Krisnawati for reading and correcting my thesis. I appreciate their help, patience and kindness.

A great appreciation goes to all lecturers of English Education Study Program for helping me to broaden my knowledge that is very useful in writing this thesis. I also thank all the staff at the secretariat who are always ready to help me in administrative matter during my study. My deepest thanks go to Sanata Dharma University librarians for their kindness in helping me finding references that are useful for my study and my thesis.

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my younger brother’s girlfriend, Dhesi. I thank her for her caring and encouragement. Grateful thanks go to My Sun. I thank him for his love, support and encouragement. I thank him for sharing great moments with me and brightening my days. I will never forget all of them.

My special thanks go to my mutual friends, Susan, Bekti and Vensi for coloring my days. They all have been so nice and great friends to me who are willing to help me whenever I need. I thank them for every laugher and tear. We will be good friends forever. May God bless them all. I also thank Yayun for the novel. My deepest thanks go to Mbak Upik, Ferdi, Mbak Ari, and Mbak Niken for their help and encouragement. Special thanks go to Mas Adi, Randy, Immanuel and also Mas Andri for their encouragement and support. I also thank my classmates, who are so friendly and kind. I will miss our days together. I would express my gratitude for my partners in conducting PPL II, KKN and SPD project. I thank them for such a great cooperation.

I would like to thank my Sweety Supra Fit AB 5225 G. I thank it so much for accompanying me everywhere. I thank it for being my friend in all conditions. It is the most loyal friend that I have ever had.

Last but not least I would like to express my deepest thanks to everybody who has helped and supported me in writing my thesis and for those who have come and beautified my life. I cannot mention one by one but I truly thank them for everything they have given to me. May the best come to us all.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE ... i

APPROVAL PAGES ... ii

STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY ... iv

ABSTRACT ... v

ABSTRAK ... vi

PAGE OF DEDICATION ... viii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS ... xi

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ... 1

A. Background of the Study . ... 1

B. Problem Formulation ... 3

C. Problem Limitation ... 4

D. Objectives of the Study ... 4

E. Benefits of the Study ... 4

F. Definition of Terms ... 4

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ... 7

A. Theoretical Review ... 7

1. Theory of Literature ... 7

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b. Theory of Characterization ... 9

1) Meaning of Characterization ... 9

2) Ways of Characterization... 9

c. Theory of Critical Approach ... 10

d. Theory of Conflict ... 12

2. Sociological Theory of Conflict ... 12

3. Cultural Theory of Social Class and Caste System ... 14

a. Social Class ... 14

b. Caste System ... 14

4. Review on Igbo Culture ... 15

a. Caste System ... 15

b. Igbo Marriage Tradition ... 17

5. Review on Western Culture ... 17

a. Social Class in the United States ... 17

b. Western Marriage Tradition ... 18

B. Theoretical Framework ... 18

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY ... 20

A. Object of the Study ... 20

B. Approach of the Study ... 21

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CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS ... 23

A. The Description of Obi Okonkwo ... 23

1. Smart ... 25

2. Dishonest. ... 26

3. Idealistic ... 28

4. Responsible ... 31

5. Educated ... 33

6. Loving and Caring ... 36

B. The Influence of Western Culture on the Major Conflict of Obi – Okonkwo ... 41

1. The Identification of the Cause of the Major Conflict of Obi – Okonkwo ... 41

a. Perceptions of Clara ... 43

b. Perceptions of Obi’s Friends ... 45

c. Perceptions of Obi’s Parents ... 47

2. Obi’s New Perceptions about Marriage ... 50

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS ... 56

A. Conclusions ... 56

B. Suggestions ... 59

1. Suggestions for Future Researchers ... 59

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REFERENCES ... 62

APPENDICES ... 65

Appendix 1: Summary of No Longer at Ease ... 66

Appendix 2: Biography of Chinua Achebe ... 69

Appendix 3: Chinua Achebe’s Works ... 76

Appendix 4: Picture of Chinua Achebe ... 77

Appendix 5: Map of the Places in the novel ... 78

Appendix 6: Syllabus ... 79

Appendix 7: Implementation of No Longer at Ease to Teach Writing ... 81

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1 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

This chapter consists of six major parts. The first part, background of the study, explains the writer’s reasons in choosing the topic. The second part, problem formulation, formulates the problems that the writer wants to discuss. The third part, problem limitation, describes the focus and the scope of the study. The fourth part, objectives of the study, presents the objectives of this study. The fifth part, research benefits, presents the benefits of this study. In addition, the last part, definition of terms, explains some key terms used in this study.

A. Background of the Study

As social beings, human beings could not live by themselves. They are always related to their society. It means that they need their society to fulfill their needs. They need to interact with their society in order to survive. The interaction between them is often called social interaction. According to Gillin and Gillin (489) “social interaction refers to social relations of all sorts in function - dynamic social relations of all kinds – whether such relations exist between individual and individual, between group and group, or between group and individual, as the case may be.” In the process of social interaction, human beings may find some problems. The problems may cause conflict between them.

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by rendering the other party ineffectual.” While Gillin and Gillin (625) state “conflict is the social process in which individuals or groups seek their ends by directly challenging the antagonist by violence or threat of violence.” However, conflicts are not necessarily violence but it can be the conflict in the form of contrary ideas or values. There are many causes of conflicts. According to Gillin and Gillin, conflicts may grow up through cultural differences. This statement is supported by LeBaron which states “culture is always a factor in conflict, whether it plays a central role or influences it subtly and gently.”

It is so because there are some people who have a narrow view of another’s culture. Usually people feel proud of their own culture. However, their way of thinking sometimes leads them to judge another culture is worse compare to their own culture. Therefore, conflict cannot be avoided. People usually feel that they belong to certain cultural values, whenever they are threatened by others they will act violently or they may react to it by being angry with the people who threaten them. It means that cultural differences may raise conflict between individual or between groups in the society even conflict in the family.

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As a result, while Obi Okonkwo comes back to his hometown, he lives with two different cultures. His Ibo culture is mixed with western culture. He is an Ibo but he has westernized ways of thinking. As a result, Obi Okonkwo feels that he is uncomfortable with his own culture. In addition, he rebels against the Ibo traditions that he previously believes in and follows western traditions.

Culture is something precious for a country. It is the identity of a country. A good country must be able to keep their own culture because by keeping their culture, it means that they keep their own identity. What the writer found in the novel is that the major character cannot maintain his own culture which raises the major conflict among the characters. The conflict occurred between the major character and his lover and between the major character and his family. This novel is very interesting since it shows how western culture influences the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo. That is why the writer wants to analyze more on the conflict which is caused by the influence of western culture in this novel. The writer hopes that this work becomes an overview that culture has a big role in the traditional society which still holds on to their traditional rules.

B. Problem Formulation

1. How is Obi Okonkwo’s character described in the novel?

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C. Problem Limitation

This study focuses on the discussion on the major character’s description in the story and the discussion on how western culture influences the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo.

D. Objectives of the Study

In this study, there are two objectives that the writer wants to achieve. The first is to find out how Obi Okonkwo’s character is described in the novel. The writer tries to explore his attitudes and behavior and also how he is characterized by another character. The second objective is to find out how western culture influences the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo.

E. Benefits of the Study

There are at least two groups of people who get the benefits of the study. They are readers in general and students. The readers in general get more knowledge on how cultural differences cause conflicts in the society. The writer hopes that this study gives contribution to the readers and the students who want to take the same study.

F. Definition of Terms

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The first term is character. Gill (127) states “a character is someone in a literary work who has some sort of identity (it does not need be a strong one), an identity which is made up by appearance, conversation, action, name and (possibly) thoughts in the head.” In this study, the term character has two meanings. Firstly, it means the person that becomes the focus of the novel that is described deeply through their attitudes and performance. Secondly, they are described through their psychological behavior which is concerned with their emotion, feeling and motivation.

The second term is conflict. According to Laurence Perrine (44) conflict means a clash of action, ideas, desires or wills between two individuals or among people in the society. In this study, conflict refers to the problems caused by the influence of western culture that the major character faces in the story.

The third term is culture. Fichter (270) states “culture is the total configuration of institutions that people in a society share in common.” In this study, culture refers to the tradition that the major character holds and new beliefs that the major character acquires when he is studying in England.

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The sixth term is Diala. According to Igwe, Diala are the freeborn. Igwe states that in its literary meaning Diala means “the son of the soil.” He also states that Diala are “the master.” In this study Diala refers to the Obi Okonkwo’s caste.

The seventh term is Osu. According to Onyemaechi, “an osu is a person who is sacrificed or consecrated alive together with his or her descendants to the service of a pagan god.” Igwe states osu are “the slaves, the strangers, the outcasts, and the untouchables.” In this study, osu refers to Clara’s caste.

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7 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter includes the theories that the writer takes in the research to support the analysis of the formulated problems stated in chapter I. This chapter is divided into two parts. They are theoretical review and theoretical framework. Theoretical review covers the theories of literature, sociological theory of conflict, cultural theory of social class and caste system and reviews on Igbo and western culture. Theoretical framework describes the application of all theories used in this study.

A. Theoretical Review

This part deals with literary theory that the writer uses in the research to support the analysis of the study. In this part, the writer presents The Theory of Character, The Theory of Characterization, The Theory of Critical Approach, The Theory of Conflict, The Sociological Theory of Conflict, Cultural Theory of Social Class and Caste System, and also Reviews on Igbo and Western Culture.

1. Theory of Literature a. Theory of Character

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“character is commonly used in two ways; it designates the individuals who appear in the story and it refers to the mixture of interests, desires, emotions and moral principles that makes up each of these individuals.” On the other hand, Robert and Jacobs (119) defines “character is an extended verbal representation of a human being, the inner self that determines thought, speech, and behavior.”

There are many ways to distinguish character. According to Stanton (17) characters in a story play very important roles because the characters make the readers understand the story. Major character is the most important but he needs other characters to make the story more interesting. According to Milligan (155) there are two types of character. The first type is called major character, a character who plays an important role in the story. A major character appears more often than the other character because he or she is the center of the story. The second type is minor character, a character who plays a less important role in the story. This character does not appear in the story frequently because his or her role is only to support the major character to develop the story in the novel.

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their way of thinking. Dynamic characters, unlike static characters undergo changes in their personalities, outlook and the way of thinking. According to Barnet and Burto “a flat character is usually static (at the end of story the character is pretty much what he or she was at the start), a round character is likely to be dynamic, changing considerably as the story progress.”

b. Theory of Characterization 1) Meaning of Characterization

Characterization is establishing the distinctive character of the persons in a narrative (Abrams, 24). There are two methods that can be used in order to reveal the personality of the character. They are direct method and indirect method.

2) Ways of Characterization

There are nine ways of character analysis as stated by Murphy (161-173) to make the characters understandable and come alive for the readers. First, character can be analyzed through personal description. Here readers can analyze a character by seeing the character’s appearance. Second, readers can analyze character through character as seen by another. Other characters play an important role to a character. They have their own judgment of a character. Their judgment will help the readers to know the character’s personality.

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Fourth, character can be analyzed through past life. A character’s past life let the readers to know what factors that shape a person’s character. Fifth, the readers can analyze a character by paying attention to the conversation of other characters. Here readers can analyze a character by seeing other characters’ conversation about a character. What other characters say about a character may become a clue of his or her personality. Sixth, readers can analyze a character by focusing on his or her reactions toward the various situations and events. How the person reaches various situations will give a clue to the readers to know a person’s character. How the character solves the problems shows his or her personality.

Seventh, a character can be analyzed by direct comments. Direct comments make the readers have a better understanding about a character in a story. Eighth, readers can analyze a character by paying attention to a character’s thought. The reader will be able to know a person’s character through what the character is thinking about and what is going on in the person’s mind. And the last way to analyze a character can be done by seeing a character’s mannerism, habits or particular behavior. The habits or activity of the character can help the readers to see his characterization.

c. Theory of Critical Approach

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that reason, readers need some approaches in analyzing the values. Rohrberger and Woods Jr. (6-15) state there are five approaches that we can use to analyze and make understandable judgment of the literary works. The five approaches are the formalist approach, the biographical approach, the sociocultural-historical approach, the mythopoeic approach, and the psychological approach.

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d. Theory of Conflict

According to Roberts and Jacobs (88) “conflict may be presented not as direct opposition, but rather as a set of comparative or contrastive ideas or values.” While Jaffe and Scott (2) state that “conflict simply means that a story brings together two opposing forces which we call a protagonist (that is, “one who struggles for”) and an antagonist (“one who struggles against”) and then resolves the resultant struggle between these forces.” According to them conflict is a necessary element in fiction. They state that conflict is the backbone of a story; it is conflict that provides the pattern and direction and gives the sense of a story going somewhere. On the other hand, Stanton (16) explains that there are two kinds of conflicts, “the internal conflicts between two desires within a character” and “the external conflicts between characters or between a character and his environment.”

2. Sociological Theory of Conflict

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Gillin and Gillin (633-634) distinguish there are four roots of conflict. The first root of conflict is individual differences. According to Gillin and Gillin “individual differences give different point of view and provide disparities which lead to clashes.” The second is that cultural differences. Cultural differences often make people misjudge another culture so that it may form conflicts between individual and also conflict between groups. The third is clashing interests. Each individual has its own interests. The differences of interests may become the source of conflict. The last root is social change. Social change may divide and separate people into groups which cause competition. Therefore, it may become the cause of the conflict.

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not for themselves but for an ideal, the struggle often assumes an extremely fierce and merciless character.

3. Cultural Theory of Social Class and Caste System a. Social Class

According to Bates and Fratkin (321) “social class is used to describe people who have generally similar educational histories, job opportunities, and social standing.” According to Nanda (312) “in a class system, the different strata (classes) are not sharply separated from one another but form a continuum.” Hodges (173) in Bertrand’s book states “social class is a distinct reality which embraces the fact that people live, eat, play, mate, dress, work, and think at contrasting and dissimilar levels.” According to Hodges, the levels in the social classes are the mixed of shared analgous occupational orientations, educational backgrounds, economic wherewithal, and life experiences. Bertrand (170) states “in class system there is no rigid limitation on movement from one strata to another.” It means that in this kind of system, people have chance to move from one class to another. The mobility can be upward or downward.

b. Caste System

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endogamously within the caste.” This statement is supported by Nanda (313) which says “a caste is based on birth.” She states that “an individual who belongs to the caste of his or her parents cannot move from one caste to another.” In a caste system society, an individual can marry only within his caste. According to Nanda, “a caste system consists of a ranked and culturally distinct number of interdependent endogamous group.” Caste system has a clear distinction between castes. No matter how high a position of a person, he cannot move to the upper caste. Bertrand (165) states that “caste system is characterized by a system of horizontal classes or castes (strata) which represent functional areas within a society.” According to him, caste system is recognized as the most rigid. Therefore, it is called closed societies. Hence, the people do not have the opportunity to move from one caste to another because it is blocked by strong sanctions.

4. Review on Igbo Culture

Due to the different spelling between Ibo and Igbo in this thesis, the writer wants to underline that Ibo and Igbo come from the same society and share the same values of tradition.

a. Caste System

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sacrificed or consecrated alive together with his or her descendants to the service of a pagan god.” According to Igwe the “osu are the slaves, the strangers, the outcasts, and the untouchables.” The osu is considered as low class so that there are various forms of discrimination against them. He states that the osu are made to live separately from the freeborn. That is why the osu are not allowed to join any occasion with the freeborn, such as dancing, drinking, eating and having sex relations. Igwe states that “no osu can pour libation or pray to God on behalf of a freeborn at any community gathering”. He states that Ibo society believes that “such prayers will bring calamity and misfortune.”

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b. Igbo Marriage Tradition

According to Onyemaechi, the marriage in Igbo society is patrilineal. He states that a man should marry a woman from different community. According to Agbasiere (96) “marriage is governed by the notion of birth status.” He states that “it is forbidden for nwa or diala, freeborn, to marry an osu, a cut slave or ohu, a bought slave and their descendants.” On the other hand, Onyemaechi states that Igbo marriage is emphasized on arranged marriage rather than on love marriage. In Igbo marriage tradition, there is what so called bride wealth or bride price. It is a form of appreciation for losing a daughter. The bride price is given to the bride’s father or relatives. Bride price is not a form of buying a wife. However, it is as a mean of contract between the couples. According to Onyemaechi, there is no marriage of romantic love in Igbo marriage tradition. The purpose of the marriage is to establish a family. He states that in Igbo society “marriage is generally regarded as a family and clan affair.” Onyemaechi states that poligamy is allowed in Igbo marriage tradition. Nwayi adds pologamy is “regarded as a symbol of success, wealth, and fame.”

5. Review on Western Culture a. Social Class in the United States

Since British is a western country and it has similar class system to United States, the writer uses the review of social class in the United States.

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mythology and is based on the democratic principle of equality and opportunity for all. (Nanda, 312)

It means that people in this kind of society are equal. They have the same opportunity in various means including education and marriage. In this kind of society, people have chance to move to one class to another even to a higher social class.

b. Western Marriage Tradition

Crabtree states, most western country apply romantic marriage. He states, “it is an individual choice made by couples.” In romantic marriage, the couple may choose to marry or become engaged first. According to Crabtree, couples are free to do what they want to do though their family stand against them. It is so because in western country, “individual and freedom is placed above the family.” According to Sen, wedding rings or vows symbolize the western wedding. He states that “wedding rings play a big role in western marriage.” Wedding rings symbolize love and affection of the couples. Crabtree states that most western culture and religious are strictly monogamous. In the west, poligamy is considered as illegal.

B. Theoretical Framework

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20 CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY

In this chapter the writer will explain about the primary data, approach and procedures the writer uses to write this thesis. This part consists of subject matter, approach, and procedures. The first part, object of the study, explains about the novel the writer explores in this thesis. The second part, approach of the study, contains the approach the writer uses to analyze the novel. The last part, method of the study, consists of a series of steps the writer conducts in order to do this thesis.

A. Object of the Study

This thesis studied No Longer at Ease written by Chinua Achebe, an African author. The English version of this novel was published in 1960. This book has 194 pages which is divided into nineteen chapters. No Longer at Easeis Chinua Achebe’s second novel.

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to marry Clara. However, Obi’s mother warns him not to marry Clara otherwise she will commit suicide. Obi tells Clara what has happened. Clara becomes angry, and then she decides to break off their engagement. Afterwards, Clara’s speeches imply that she wants to tell Obi that she is pregnant. Knowing Clara’s pregnancy, Obi arranges an abortion but he does not have enough money to pay for it.

Finally, Obi Okonkwo lends some money to his friend to carry out the operation. Therefore, the operation is held. Unfortunately, Clara is hospitalized because of some problems happened in the operation. After the operation, Clara refuses to see Obi Okonkwo. Then, she decides to leave Obi. Shortly after Clara leaves, Obi is informed that his mother is dead. However, Obi could not come to his mother’s funeral. Obi becomes very frustrated. Moreover Obi Okonkwo is in a grat financial difficulty. This situation makes Obi takes bribe for the first time and he did it with the feeling of guilt. Afterwards, his taking bribes become habitual. Unfortunately, when he takes his last bribes, he is caught and brought to the court.

B. Approach of the Study

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how the character deals with the custom after he is influenced by the western culture.

C. Method of the Study

This thesis uses library study as the data gathering method. There are two main data that support the writer in conducting the thesis. The first is primary data, that is the novel itself. The second is secondary data that is data that are used to support the analysis such as theories and the data that the writer takes from the library and the electronic sources.

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23 CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS

This chapter deals with the analysis of the two problems in the problem formulation in the first chapter. This chapter is divided into two parts. The first part aims to describe Obi’s character. The second part aims to find out how western culture influences the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo.

A. The Description of Obi Okonkwo

Stanton (17) states that ”character is commonly used in two ways; it designates the individuals who appear in the story and it refers to the mixture of interests, desires, emotions and moral principles that makes up each of these individuals.” There are many ways to distinguish character. According to Milligan (155) there are two types of character. The first type is called major character, a character that plays an important role in the story. A major character appears more often that the other character because he or she is the center of the story.

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However, based on the internal complexity Obi Okonkwo is considered as a round character. Barnet and Burto (228-229) states there are two kinds of characters. They are flat and round character. According to them “a flat character is relatively simple and usually has only one trait.” On the other hand, “a round character embodies several or many traits that cohere to form a complex personality.” Obi Okonkwo is considered as a round character because he has a complex personality.

Holman and Harmon (83) state that a character may be static or dynamic. A static character is a character that does not make any changes in their personality. A dynamic character is a character that changes throughout the progress of the story. Based on the theory, Obi Okonkwo is included as a dynamic character. It is so because Obi Okonkwo’s character is developed in the story. In the beginning, he states that only old African takes bribes and he will not take any bribes but as the story progress he changes. In the end, Obi Okonkwo decided to take bribes because he has financial problem.

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1. Smart

Obi Okonkwo is a smart person. We can see this from Obi Okonkwo’s background before his going to England. He went to England because he got a scholarship from Umofia Progressive union.

Six or seven years ago Umofians abroad had formed their Union with the aim of collecting money to send some of their brighter young men to study in England. They taxed themselves mercilessly. The first scholarship under this scheme was awarded to Obi Okonkwo five years ago, almost to the day. (8)

Obi Okonkwo does not have any difficulty to get the scholarship. The Umofia Progressive Union chooses Obi because they have a good reason for it. They think that Obi is smart because they know that Obi Okonkwo has good achievements in his school.

The selection of the first candidate had not presented any difficulty to the Union. Obi was an obvious choice. At the age of twelve or thirteen he had passed his Standard Six examination at the top of the whole province. Then he had won a scholarship to one of the best secondary schools in Eastern Nigeria. At the end of five years he passed the Cambridge School Certificate with distinction in all eight subjects. He was in fact a village celebrity, and his name was regularly invoked at the mission school where he had once been a pupil. (8-9)

Obi Okonkwo is known as a smart pupil in his school. Obi Okonkwo always get good result in every subject and always at the top of the class. That is why his teacher used to say that someday Obi Okonkwo will go to England because of his smartness.

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Besides Obi Okonkwo’s background before his going to England, there are some reasons why Obi Okonkwo is considered as a smart person. After his return from England, there is a reception to welcome Obi Okonkwo. On this occasion, the welcome address states that the Umofia Progressive Union state that Obi Okonkwo has great success in education. “Sir, we the officers and members of the above-named Union present with humility and gratitude this token of our appreciation of your unprecedented academic brilliant. . . .” (36).

Obi Okonkwo’s smartness is proved by his speech on the occasion. On the occasion, Obi Okonkwo has a chance to give a speech to the audience. Obi Okonkwo uses this chance to give the audience the idea of the value of education. Obi Okonkwo speech about education shows that Obi Okonkwo is smart because he has a wide view of education.

He told them about the value of education. “Education for service, not for white-collar jobs and comfortable salaries. With our great country on the threshold of independence, we need men who are prepared to serve her well and truly.” (37)

From the author’s direct comments, character as seen by another, and the character’s speech, it can be seen that Obi Okonkwo is a smart person. He is smart so that he deserves the chance to study in England. In addition, his smartness enables him to be considered as an excellent and brilliant person. Obi Okonkwo is a smart and knowledgeable person.

2. Dishonest

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a very religious person so that he asks Obi Okonkwo to have worship in a church. Obi states that it is not necessary and finds any reason for it because he is no longer religious. However, Obi Okonkwo does not tell the truth to his father. Obi thought: “What happen if I stood up and said to him: “Father, I no longer believe in your God?’ He knew it was impossible to do it, but he just wondered what would happen if he did it (65).

Obi is not only dishonest about being unreligious but also tells a lie to his father when his father asks him whether he read Bible or not while he was in England.

“Did you have time to read your Bible while you were there?”

There was nothing for it but to tell a lie. Sometimes a lie was kinder than the truth. Obi knew why the question had been asked. He had read his verses so badly at prayer that evening.

“Sometimes,” he replied, but it was the Bible written in the English language.” (65)

Obi Okonkwo thinks that sometimes being dishonest is good. He thinks so not to make another person knows that he is in a difficulty even he does not let his lover knows about it. Obi Okonkwo’s being dishonest makes him quarrel with his lover, Clara.

That evening he had a serious disagreement with Clara. He had not wanted to tell her about the overdraft, but as soon as she saw him she asked what the matter was. He tried to fob her off with some excuse. Clara’s way of getting anything from him was not to argue but refuse to talk. And as she usually did three-quarters of the talking when they were together, the silence soon became too heavy to bear. Obi would then ask her what the matter was, which was usually the prelude to doing whatever she wanted. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked when he had told her about the overdraft.

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“I wasn’t in difficulty. I wouldn’t have mentioned it if you hadn’t pressed me.” (116)

Obi Okonkwo thoughts and his speech help the readers to find out that Obi Okonkwo is a dishonest person. Here, the reader can also understand the reasons why Obi Okonkwo is dishonest.

3. Idealistic

Obi Okonkwo is an idealistic person. He states that only old Africans corrupt but he believes that if the old Africans are replaced by the young who are educated, corruption will end. That is the reason why he stands against corruption and he says that he will not take any bribes.

“The civil service is corrupt because of these so-called experienced men at the top,” said Obi.

“You don’t believe in experience? You think that a chap straight from university should be made a permanent secretary?”

“I didn’t say straight from the university, but even that would be better than filling our top posts with old men who have no intellectual foundations to support their experience.” (22-23)

His idea about only old Africans taking bribes is opposed by his friend, Christopher but Obi Okonkwo has his own reason to convince that his opinion about it is correct.

“What about the Land Officer jailed last year? He is straight from the university.”

“He is an exception,” said Obi. “But take one of these old men. He probably left school thirty years ago in Standard Six. He has worked steadily to the top through bribery - an ordeal by bribery. To him bribe is natural. He gave it and he expects it. Our people say that if you pay homage to the man on top, others will pay homage to you when it is your turn to be on top. Well, that is what the old men say.”

“What do the young men say, if I may ask?”

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it’s simply that they can afford to be virtuous. But even than kind of virtue can become a habit.” (23)

Obi Okonkwo is pretty sure that he will not take any bribes. That is why he feels upset when in his job interview the chairman asks Obi Okonkwo’s reason why he wants a job in the civil service.

“Why do you want a job in the civil service? So that you can take bribes?” he asked.

Obi hesitated. His first impulse was to say it was an idiotic question. He said instead: “I don’t know how you expect me to answer that question. Even if my reason is to take bribes, you don’t expect me to admit it before this board. So I don’t think it’s a very useful question.” (46)

Obi Okonkwo’s idea in not taking bribes is proved by refusing the offer of taking bribes from Mr. Mark who wants to apply for a Federal Scholarship for his sister to study in England.

“You want application forms?” asked Obi.

“No, no, no. I have got those. But it is like this. I was told that you are the secretary of the Scholarship Commission and I thought that I should see you. We are both Ibos and I cannot hide anything from you. It is all very well sending forms, but you know what our country is. Unless you see people . . .”

“In this case it is not necessary to see anybody. The only . . .”

“I was actually thinking of coming round to your house, but the man who told me about you did not know where you lived.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Mark, but I really don’t understand what you are driving at.” He said in English, much to Mr. Mark’s concentration. Miss. Tomlinson pricked up her ears like a dog that is not quite sure whether someone has mentioned bones.

“I’m sorry – er – er- Mr. Okonkwo. But don’t get me wrong. I know this is wrong this is the wrong place to –er . . .”

“I don’t think there is any point continuing this discussion,” Obi said again in English. If you don’t mind, I’m rather busy.” (98-99)

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After his encounter with Mr. Mark he did feel like a tiger. He had won his first battle hands-down. Everyone said it was impossible to win. They said a man expects you to accept ”kola” from him for services rendered, and until you do, his mind is never at rest. (100)

Obi Okonkwo’s idea against corruption is again to be tested. Mr. Marks’s sister, Miss. Elsie Mark comes to Obi Okonkwo’s house. She approaches Obi and tries to offer a bribe. She offers her body to Obi Okonkwo in order to get the scholarship. Again, Obi refuses it firmly.

“Please, Mr. Okonkwo, you must help me. I’ll do whatever you ask.” She avoided his eyes. Her voice was a little unsteady, and Obi thought he saw a hint of tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, terribly sorry, but I don’t see that I can make any promises.” (105)

Obi Okonkwo’s idea seems to be broken up when he starts to receive bribes. Obi Okonkwo does that because of the fact that he is in big problems and he is in financial difficulties. However, Obi Okonkwo’s idea about corruption makes him feel guilty. “This is terrible!” he muttered. “Terrible!” he said aloud. He woke up with a start in the middle of the night and he did not go to sleep again for a long time afterwards (192).

Obi Okonkwo’s idea about corruption also becomes his standard in taking bribes. Obi Okonkwo firmly holds the standard and requirements in getting the scholarship. Therefore, Obi does not receive any kinds of bribes from anyone who wants to apply for the scholarship. But Obi stoutly refused to countenance anyone who did not possess the minimum educational and other requirements. On that he was unshakeable (193).

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the Hon. Sam Okoli, M. H. R. The worst was now over, and Obi ought to have felt happier. But he didn’t (193).

People say that taking bribes is not a big thing and they used to do it but Obi Okonkwo feels that he does not like taking bribes; he feels that he is uncomfortable doing that. People say that one gets used to these things, but he had not found it like that at all (193).

The author’s direct comments, Obi Okonkwo’s reactions toward the various situations and events, and his thought give explanation that Obi Okonkwo is an idealistic person. Even though in the end of the story Obi Okonkwo is not as idealistic as in the beginning of the story because he decides to take bribes but his feeling guilty, unhappy and uncomfortable has shown that he is still an idealistic person.

4. Responsible

Obi Okonkwo’s thought about his family condition shows that he is a responsible person. Since Obi Okonkwo’s family live in a poor condition, his parents work hard in order to survive. Even though Obi’s parents work hard, they do not have enough money to make a living. When Obi Okonkwo comes home, he cannot sleep because he keeps thinking about his family condition. He realizes that his parents are old now so that they are not strong enough to work hard in order to survive. Obi Okonkwo feels that he is responsible for his family.

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soap from leachings of palm ash and oil and sold it to the villagers for a little profit. But now they were too old for these things. (69)

Obi Okonkwo makes a decision that he will help his parents. He feels that it is important to help his parents so that his family can live in a good condition and his brother can continue his school. Therefore, he decides to give some of his salary to his family.

“I must give them a monthly allowance from my salary.” How much? Could he afford ten pounds? If only he did not have to pay back twenty pounds a month to the Umofia Progressive Union. Then there was John’s school fees.

“We’ll manage somehow,” he said aloud to himself. “One cannot have it both ways. There are many young men in this country today who would sacrifice themselves to get the opportunity I have had.” (69-70)

Since Obi Okonkwo is responsible for his younger brother’s school fee, he pays it when he has much money because he thinks that he might not be able to do it if he has no money for it.

But sixteen pounds ten shillings was to go into brother John’s school fees for second term, which began in April. Obi knew that unless he paid the fees now that he had a lump sum in his pocket he might not be able to do so when the time came. (143)

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From the statements, it is known that Obi does not want to give any burden to Clara and he feels that he is the one who is responsible for that overdraft. After knowing that Obi is in difficulty, Clara wants to help him so she gives Obi a parcel that contains fifty pounds so that Obi can cancel the overdraft. However, Obi does not want to receive the money.

All the way from Ikoyi to Yaba he was thinking how best he could make her take the money back. He knew it was going to be difficult, if not impossible. But it was quite out of the question for him to take fifty pounds from her. The question was how to make her take it back without hurting her. (123)

In the end, Clara’s fifty pounds was stolen. Obi feels that he has to change the money. After Clara’s abortion Obi makes a decision that he has to find money and give it to Clara.

He had taken a firm decision about Clara’s fifty pounds. He must find it in the next two months and pay it into her bank. Perhaps they would get over the present crisis, perhaps not. But whatever happened, he must return the money. (176)

It is clear that from the author’s direct comments, Obi Okonkwo’s thoughts, and speeches the reader can see that Obi Okonkwo is a responsible person. Obi Okonkwo’s way of thinking, including his willingness to help his family shows that he is a responsible person.

5. Educated

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After Obi Okonkwo gives speeches to the audience at his reception, the chairman asks whether Obi Okonkwo has got a job or not. Obi answered that he will have his job interview on Monday. The chairman believes that an educated person like Obi will not have any difficulties in finding a job. “Of course those of you who know book will not have any difficulty,” said the Vice-Presidents on Obi’s left (38).

When Obi Okonkwo talks to Joseph about his job interview, Joseph told Obi Okonkwo that he is an educated person. An educated person may have great knowledge and this is what Joseph tells to Obi. “You know more book than I, but I am older and wiser (46-47). This sentence shows that in Joseph’s point of view, Obi Okonkwo is an educated and knowledgeable person.

As an educated person Obi Okonkwo is aware of his surroundings. When he is on the way to go to Umofia, there were two policemen who stopped the car and asked the driver about the roadworthiness of the car. When the driver’s mate approached the policemen, Obi looked in their direction. Obi knows that the driver’s mate was going to give the policemen some money. The policemen thought that Obi is a C.I.D man so the policemen act angrily and ask the driver’s mate to go away. On the other hand, the other policeman had found fault with the driver’s paper then the driver begged the policemen and drove away. The driver was not comfortable with Obi’s action so he complained to Obi.

“Why you look the man for face when we want give um him two shillings?” he asked Obi.

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In his office, Obi Okonkwo’s education is admitted by his colleague. When Mr. Omo asks Obi Okonkwo to sign a document, he tells Obi that he asks for Obi’s stamp. Obi does not know about the intended information. Obi thought Mr. Omo asks for a stamp. Therefore, Mr. Omo wonders whether such an educated person like Obi does not know about such things. Finally, Obi understands after Mr. Omo explains to Obi about the information he wants to convey.

“Where is your stamp?” he asked as soon as Obi arrived. “What stamp?” asked Obi.

“You get B.A but you no know say you have to affix stamp to agreement?”

Mr. Omo laughed a laugh of derision. He had very bad teeth blackened by cigarettes and kola nuts. One was missing in front, and when he laughed the gap looked like a vacant plot in a slum. His junior clerks laughed with him out of loyalty.

“You think Government give you sixty pounds without signing agreement?”

It was only then that Obi understood what it was all about. He was to receive sixty pounds outfit allowance. (76)

Since Obi Okonkwo is educated, Obi’s friend is proud of him. That is why every time he hung up the phone he talks impressively about Obi Okonkwo’s degree to his colleagues.

Joseph always put on impressive manner when speaking on the telephone. He never spoke Ibo or pidgin English at such moments. When he hung up he told his colleagues: “That na my brother. Just return from overseas. B.A. (Honors) Classics.” (88)

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Everybody wondered why. The learned judge, as we have seen, could not comprehend how and educated young man and so on and so forth. The British Council man, even the men of Umofia, did not know. And we must presume that, in spite of his certitude, Mr. Green did not know either. (194)

In the court the author states that the judge wonders whether a man in such degree of education corrupts.

Obi’s listlessness did not show any signs of decreasing even when the judge began to sum up. It was only when he said: “I cannot comprehend how a young man of your education and brilliant promise could have done this” that a sudden and marked change occurred. (2)

According to how the character reacts toward the various situations and events, author’s direct comments, and also the character as seen by another it can be seen that Obi Okonkwo is an educated person.

6. Loving and Caring

Obi Okonkwo is considered as a loving and caring person because of his attitudes towards his family. When Obi comes back home, he is sad because he sees his mother is old and weak. He never thought that his mother’s condition would be worsened. He could not control his emotion so he cries when his mother was holding him.

Obi’s homecoming was not in the end the happy event he had dreamt of. The reason was his mother. She had grown so old and frail in four years that he could hardly believe it. He had heard of her long periods of illness, but he had not thought of it quite this way. Now that all the visitors had gone away and she came and hugged him and put her arms round his neck for the second time tears rose in his eyes. Henceforth he wore her sadness round his neck like necklace of stone. (63)

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he could not forget his father’s struggle for his family. He keeps in mind how his father struggles for his family.

His father too was all bones, although he did not look nearly as bad as his mother. It was clear to Obi that they did not have enough good food to eat. It was scandalous, he thought, that after nearly thirty years’ service in the church his father should retire on a salary of two pounds a month, a good slice of which went back to the same church by way of class fees and other contributions. And he had his two last children at school, each paying school fees and church fees. (63)

As a loving and caring person, Obi Okonkwo loves his mother very much. He feels that he has a special place in his mother’s heart. That is why when Obi’s mother is sick, he is worried and he tries his best to come home in order to see his mother’s condition.

“Where is Mother?” his eyes kept asking. He did not know whether she was in hospital or at home, and he was afraid to ask.

“Your mother returned from hospital last week,” said his father as they entered the house.

“Where is she?” (143)

Obi Okonkwo’s youngest sister told him that their mother is in her own room. Obi immediately enters and sees his mother’s condition. Obi is saddened by her condition.

As he looked at his mother on her bed, tears stood in Obi’s eyes. She held out her hand to him and he took it – all bone and skin like a bat’s wing. “You did not see me when I was ill,” she said. “Now I am as healthy as a young girl.” She laughed without mirth. “You should have seen me three weeks ago. How is your work? Are Umofia people in Lagos all well? How is Joseph? His mother came yesterday and I told her we were expecting you. . . .”

Obi answered: “They are well, yes, yes, and yes.” But his heart all the while was bursting with grief. (145)

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suggests to Obi to abort the baby. Obi pursues his friend’s suggestion but on the day the abortion is conducted he is afraid of Clara’s condition. He is frightened by his thoughts that he will not see Clara again.

The doctor counted his wad of notes carefully, folded it, and put it in his pocket. “Come back at five o’clock,” he told Obi, dismissing him. But when Obi got to his car he could not drive away. All kinds of frightening thoughts kept crowding into his mind. He did not believe in premonition and such stuff, but somehow he felt that he wasn’t going to see Clara again. (169)

Since Obi loves Clara, he feels guilty because he has asked Clara to abort the baby. He feels guilty as he wants to tell Clara that he wants to get married with her.

As he sat in the driver’s seat, paralyzed by his thoughts, the doctor and Clara came out and entered a car that was parked by the side of the road. The doctor must have said something about him because Clara looked in his direction once and immediately took her eyes away. Obi wanted to rush out of his car and shout: “Stop. Let’s go and get married now,” but he couldn’t and didn’t. The doctor’s car drove away. (169)

After Clara’s operation, Obi comes to the hospital and looks for the doctor in order to know Clara’s condition. However, the doctor’s attendant says to Obi that the doctor was out. Since Obi wants to know Clara’s condition, he waited for the doctor.

Obi waited for an hour and a half before the doctor returned – without Clara. Sweat rained down his body.

“Oh, are you here?” the doctor asked. “Come back tomorrow morning.” “Where is she?”

“Don’t worry, she will be all right. But I want to have her under observation tonight in case of complications.”

“Can’t I see her?”

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Obi knows that Clara is angry with him. Obi tries to make an apology to Clara. So, he tries to write a letter to her. However, it is not easy for Obi to write a letter. But finally he did it. He tells Clara that he realizes his mistakes and he would never hurt Clara if there is another chance for him. It shows that Obi loves and cares for Clara.

Writing letters did not come easily to him. He worked out every sentence in his mind first before he set it down on paper. Sometimes he spent as long as ten minutes on the opening sentence. He wanted to say: “Forgive me for what has happened. It was all my fault. . . “He ruled against it; that kind of self-reproach was sheer humbug. In the end he wrote:

“I can understand your not wanting ever to set eyes on me again. I have wronged you terribly. But I cannot believe that it is all over. If you give me another chance, I shall never fail you again.”

He read it over and over again. Then he rewrote the whole letter, changing, I cannot believe to I cannot bring myself to believe. (178-179)

Another reason which shows Obi as a loving and caring person is that he is shocked by his mother’s death. Obi had been utterly prostrated by the shock of his mother’s death (182). Obi also feels guilty because he does not come to his mother’s funeral. Moreover, he cannot make a good funeral for his mother.

On top of it came his mother’s death. He sent all he could find for her funeral, but it was already being said to his eternal shame that a woman who had borne so many children, one of whom was in a European post, deserved a better funeral than she got. (181)

Obi does not go to his mother’s funeral because he thought that it would be useless. Obi knows that his mother would have been buried by the time he got home.

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Obi falls asleep and does not wake up until the day after. Obi’s guilty feeling comes again to his mind. He feels ashamed and guilty because of not going to his mother’s funeral.

He woke up with a start and saw that it was broad daylight. For a brief moment he wondered what had happened. Then yesterday’s thought woke violently. Something caught in his throat. He got out of bed and stood gazing at the light coming in through the louvers. Shame and guilt filled his heart. Yesterday his mother had been put into the ground and covered with red earth and he could not keep as much as one night vigil for her. (183)

Besides he is feeling guilty because he could not go to his mother’s funeral, he thinks about his father. He thinks his father’s condition will be worse without his mother. It proves that Obi loves his parents much.

“Terrible!” he said. His thoughts went to his father. Poor man, he would be completely lost without her. For the first month or so it would not be too bad,. Obi’s married sisters would all return home. Esther could be relied upon to look after him. But in the end they would have to go again. That was the time the blow would really fall – when everyone began to go away. (183-184)

That Obi Okonkwo is a loving and caring person is known from his thoughts. Obi cares for the people who are close to his heart, his parents and his lover. The author’s direct comments, Obi Okonkwo’s thoughts and speeches enable the readers to recognize that Obi is a loving and caring person.

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another, the character’s speeches, the character’s thoughts and character’s reaction toward the various situations and events.

B. The Influence of Western Culture on the Major Conflict of Obi Okonkwo 1. The Identification of the Cause of the Major Conflict of Obi Okonkwo

This part discusses how western culture influences the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo. In fiction, “conflict may be presented not as direct opposition, but rather as a set of comparative or contrastive ideas or values” (Roberts and Jacobs, 88). However, based on its sociology meaning, “conflict is the social process in which individuals or groups seek their ends by directly challenging the antagonist by violence or threat of violence” (Gillin and Gillin, 625). According to Gillin and Gillin (633) there are three kinds of conflict. The first root of conflict is individual differences. The second is that cultural differences. The last is clashing interests.

There is only one major conflict in the novel. It is a conflict that is caused by cultural differences. The major conflict happened to Obi Okonkwo because there is a different point of view between Obi and other characters. Obi Okonkwo feels that his traditional rule is odd since his return from England. While other characters, Obi Okonkwo’s lover, parents and friends, still hold their Ibo rules.

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According to Igwe there are two classes of people in Igboland. The first class is the Nwadiala. It means ‘sons of the soil’. They are the freeborn, the masters. The second class is the osu. According to Onyemaechi “an osu is a person who is sacrificed or consecrated alive together with his or her descendants to the service of a pagan god.” Igwe states “the osu are the slaves, the strangers, the outcasts, and the untouchables.” He also states that osu is the second class in Ibo society. They are considered as low class in the society. Considering that osu is the low class in the society, there are many discriminations against them. They cannot mingle with freeborn in the society; they are not allowed to join any occasion with the freeborn. The most irritating discrimination is that osu are not allowed to marry freeborn.

According to Agbasiere (96), Igbo marriage is governed by the notion of birth. Therefore, it is forbidden for nwa or diala, freeborn, to marry an osu, a cut slave or ohu, a bought slave and their descendants. Bates and Fratkin (324) state that membership in caste system is managed at birth. According to them, caste is unchangeable. It means the caste is attached permanently and they cannot move across the caste barrier though they have a high position in the society. In a caste system, somebody must marry someone endogamously within the caste. This is what actually happens in the novel. Considering that Obi is a freeborn and Clara is an osu, Obi’s parents do not approve of them to get married.

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of view because of western influence. Therefore, the writer provides discussion on other characters’ perceptions about marrying an osu. The other characters are Obi’s lover, Obi’s friends, and Obi’s parents. This discussion aims to know other characters’ perceptions about marrying an osu. In addition, this discussion leads a further discussion on how western culture influences the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo.

a. Perceptions of Clara

Clara knows exactly her status that she is an osu or an outcast. As an osu, Clara is aware of her condition. She considers that she cannot marry a freeborn like Obi. She knows that Obi’s parents and society will not approve of their marriage. This fact makes Clara have an idea to tell Obi that she cannot marry him. “I can’t marry you,“ she said suddenly as Obi tried to kiss her under the tall frangipani tree at the edge of the swimming pool, and exploded into tears. (80)

Clara explains her understanding to Obi that an osu cannot marry a freeborn. Therefore, she decides not to marry Obi. According to Clara, there is no other way for them so she thinks it is the best way for them not to get married. Clara knows that the society will oppose them because she is an osu.

“I am an osu,” she wept. Silence. She stopped weeping and quietly disengaged herself from him. Still he said nothing.

“So you see we cannot get married,” she said, quite firmly, almost gaily – a terrible kind of gaiety. Only tears showed she had wept. (81)

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Clara uses this reason to break off the engagement. It is so because she knows the fact that society will be happy if they break off their engagement.

Clara said she was very sorry to let him down at this eleventh hour. But she was sure it would be in everybody’s best interest if they broke off their engagement. Obi was deeply stung, but he said nothing for a long time. Afterwards Clara repeated that she was very sorry. There was another long silence. (141)

Clara’s understanding about the rule of Ibo society makes her have an idea that if Obi marries her, she will ruin Obi’s life. She knows that she will make Obi’s family ashamed and make Obi get into trouble in the future.

Clara begged him not to misunderstand her. She said she was taking her present step because she did not want to ruin his life. “I have thought about the whole matter very carefully. There are two reasons why we should not get married.”

“What are they?”

“Well, the first reason is that your family will be against it. I don’t want to come between you and your family.”

“Bunk! Anyway, what is the second reason?” She could not remember what it was. It didn’t matter, anyway. The first reason was quite enough. (141-142)

Clara is pretty sure that it will be difficult for them to get married because of the rule of the society. In Clara’s opinion, Obi’s struggle to marry her is useless and it will just make them have more difficulties. “You are making things difficult for yourself. How many times did I tell you that we were deceiving ourselves? But I was always told I was being childish. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. There is no need for long talk (162).

(61)

b. Perceptions of Obi’s Friends

Obi has two close friends. They are Joseph and Christopher. Joseph is an uneducated person. However, he still holds on to Ibo tradition firmly. Christopher is different from Joseph. He is an educated person but he has a good understanding of living in two different cultures.

In Joseph’s opinion, Obi is lucky to know that Clara is an osu from the beginning. Joseph feels that it is great to know it as early as possible because he knows the fact that an osu cannot marry a freeborn. According to Joseph, it is better for Obi to end his relationship with Clara since he cannot marry her.

“The very thing I was thinking to ask you. I was thinking how such a good and beautiful girl could remain unmarried until now.” Obi was undressing absentmindedly. “Anyhow, you are lucky to know at the beginning. No harm is done yet. The eye is not harmed by sleep,” Joseph said some what pointlessly. He noticed that Obi was not paying any attention. (81)

Joseph is closer to the Ibo tradition than Obi. He knows that in Ibo society, there is no one who is willing to marry an osu because marrying an osu is prohibited. In Joseph’s opinion, Obi’s decision to marry Clara rebels against Ibo tradition. Therefore, Joseph thinks that Obi’s decision to marry an osu is wrong. That is why Joseph tells Obi that he is better not to marry Clara.

“Look at me,” said Joseph, getting up and tying his coverlet as a loincloth. He now spoke English. “You know book, but this is no matter for book. Do you know what an osu is? But how can you know?” In that short question he said in effect that Obi’s mission – house upbringing and European education had made him a stranger in his country-the most painful thing one could say to Obi. (82)

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