Ekwefi
Caring and KIND
Ekwefi and Okonkwo create a contrast between the two ways they cope with problems. This ongoing comparison throughout the book is shown in this sentence with the use of Antithesis (placing opposite ideas together to create a contrast). Ekwefi has lived many tragedies, but never showed her child her pity and grief. Her caring personality is reflected in this passage, as she will rather keep the ugly things in life for herself, than hurt the people around her.
"Ekwefi even gave her such delicacies as eggs, which children were rarely allowed to eat..."
"Ekwefi's bitterness did not flow outwards to others but inwards into her own soul."
Resilient and STRONG
Corageous and BRAVE
Ekwefi decided to follow Chielo, even though it goes against the spiritual beliefs in the culture. As her short, concise reply implies, Ekwefi is assertive, and her love for Ezinma is strong. Ekwefi chooses to follow her child despite the dangers of the night, too. She is a brave mother, as she went after her daughter against both of these odds.
"She swore within her that if she heard Ezinma cry she would rush into the cave and defend her against all the gods in the world."
"Ekwefi did not hear these consolations... "I am following Chielo," she replied" (after Chielo took her daughter)
Ekwefi is extremely emotionally strong. She lost 9 children, but her strong wit and determination have not allowed her to give up. Every child she gave birth to, she loved and accepted, although her great anxiety of loosing them was present at all times.
"Ekwefi did not answer. Tears of gratitude filled her eyes." (as Okonkwo arrived to help)
"She had borne ten children and nine of them died in infancy."
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Unlike Okonkwo's intimidating figure and way of disciplininghis children, Ekwefi is sweet and gentle with Ezinma. She and her daughter, unlike the rest of adults and children in the village, have a friendly relationship based on trust, rather than based on discipline and authority.
Although Ekwefi's culture is heavily influenced by gods and goddesses, she is willing to stand up against these beliefs for her daughter. It is very meaningful that she says this, since it shows how she is not scared of fighting what she believes are very powerful entities.
The moment when Okonkwo arrives at the cave to help Ezinma shows how many emotions Ekwefi was under. As described abruptly in a new sentence to symbolise the sudden breakdown, she crumbles down at the sight of Okonkwo with relief. This not only shows the amount of anxiety experienced by her throughout that night, but also the constant fear of losing her daughter she lives under, after many years of loosing her other children.
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