How does the writer in things fall apart create tension and convey sympathy for ikemefuns in the extract from the novel?

Answer 1

hehe lol..wat a co-incedence..i was just doing my English essay about this..except it was about chapter 7..and how tension was created by stylistic devices..but here are some:

Repetition (Page: 57-59, 61):

- "His own home had gradually become very faint and distant." (57)

- "A peaceful dance from a distant clan." (58)

- "He had never been fond of his real father, and at the end of three years, he had become very distant indeed." (59)

- "They were returning home with baskets of yams from a distant farm across the stream when they heard the voice of an infant crying in the thick forest." (61)

Light and Dark (Page 55, 58-59):

- "And then quite suddenly a shadow fell on the world, and the sun seemed hidden behind a thick cloud."

- "The sun rose slowly to the center of the sky…" (58)

- "The sun breaking through their leaves and branches…" (59)

- "The voice of an infant crying in the thick forest." (61) - referring to dark

Foreshadow (Page 57-58):

- "But somehow he knew he was not going to see them." (57)

- "A deathly silence descended on Okonkwo's compound." (58)

Personification (Page 58):

- "Throughout that day Nwoye sat in his mother's hut and tears stood in his eyes." (58)

Simile (Page 62):

- "A vague chill had descended on him and his head had seemed to swell, like a solitary walker at night who passes an evil spirit on the way." (62)

Answer 2

The writer creates tension by portraying Ikemefuna's inner struggle and the conflicting emotions he experiences. Through vivid descriptions of Ikemefuna's thoughts and actions, the writer evokes sympathy from the readers for his unfortunate situation and his ultimately doomed fate. The use of symbolism and foreshadowing further heightens the emotional impact of the character's story.