Prose One
The encounter between Mr. Okpart and Adah is significant as it highlights the themes of patriarchy, racism, self-assertion, and Adah’s quest for independence. Mr. Okpart serves as an embodiment of the patriarchal and conservative values that try to subjugate Adah and keep her in a position of dependency and traditional gender roles. He is someone who comes from the same cultural background as Adah, which brings the expectations and limitations of her Nigerian cultural heritage into her experiences in London.
In their interactions, Adah challenges Mr. Okpart’s views, asserting herself and claiming her right to autonomy and respect. The encounters are turning points that catalyze her resolve to break free from the shackles of societal expectations, abandon the passivity imposed upon her by her culture and her marriage, and to pursue her own aspirations for education and writing.
The significance of their encounter also lies in highlighting the complexity of Adah’s ‘second class citizen’ status – she is not only marginalized by British society due to her race and immigrant status but also by individuals within her own Nigerian community who seek to reinforce traditional gender roles.
Adah’s struggles and triumphs are emblematic of a broader immigrant experience, one where identity and self-worth are continually negotiated against the backdrop of cultural expectations and the host society’s prejudices. Her encounters with figures like Mr. Okpart underscore her resistance against double oppression—as a woman and an immigrant—and her insistence on creating a space for herself as an individual, uplifting the story as a tale of feminist and immigrant resilience.
Prose Two
In “Unexpected Joy at Dawn” by Alex Agyei-Agyiri, the character Nit, who is also known as Nii Tackie, experiences a complex internal conflict when it comes to Linda’s advances. Linda is an American woman who shows a romantic interest in Nit, but he repeatedly rejects her. His rejection of Linda’s advances can be examined from several perspectives:
Cultural Expectations: Nit is from Ghana and has strong ties to his cultural upbringing and traditional views on relationships. His reluctance to accept Linda’s advances could be rooted in his adherence to the expectations of his own culture, where certain protocols and courtship rituals might be observed, which are different from Linda’s American approaches.
Personal Principles: Nit may have his own personal principles and values that guide how he interacts in romantic situations. He might not feel comfortable engaging in a relationship with someone he doesn’t share a deep emotional connection with, or he may feel that Linda’s approach is too forward or not aligned with his views on how a relationship should progress.
The Complexity of International Relationships: Nit might be aware of the complexities involved in international and intercultural relationships. He might fear the challenges that can arise from differences in cultural backgrounds, values, and expectations. Nit could also be concerned about the implications of such a relationship on his life goals and the expectations of his family.
Personal Commitments: Nit could have commitments or unresolved feelings from a past relationship that make him hesitant to enter a new relationship. He might be focused on his search for his sister, among other personal goals and responsibilities, which take precedence over pursuing a romance with Linda.
Psychological Barriers: Nit might have psychological barriers stemming from his own life experiences, fears of intimacy, or trust issues that prevent him from being receptive to Linda’s advances. He may struggle with vulnerability or have reasons to be cautious about opening up to another person.
Self-Identity and Growth: Nit’s journey is also about self-discovery and personal growth. His rejection of Linda’s advances could signify his prioritization of his own development over romantic entanglements. He may desire to establish his identity and fulfill his personal missions before allowing himself to be involved with someone else.
Overall, Nit’s rejection of Linda’s advances is multifaceted and can be seen as a reflection of his internal struggles, cultural identity, personal values, and the overarching narrative of his search for his sister and his own self-discovery amidst the complexities of a cross-cultural context.