what was Nnameka relationship with his dad before he married nene in the story "Marriage is a private Affair" Please provide evidence
In the story "Marriage is a private Affair" by Chinua Achebe, Nnameka's relationship with his dad was strained due to their contrasting beliefs and values surrounding marriage. Before Nnameka married Nene, his relationship with his dad was characterized by disagreement and disappointment.
Evidence from the text:
1. Early in the story, Nnameka's father expresses his dissatisfaction with his son's decision to marry Nene, who comes from a different ethnic group. He strongly opposes the union: "Marriage is a private affair, my son. Neither tradition nor custom can stand in its way… but our fathers never expected their children to marry outside our own culture" (Achebe, paragraph 3). This indicates that Nnameka's father had certain expectations about marriage and considered it a matter of cultural adherence.
2. Nnameka, on the other hand, has opposite views on marriage, influenced by his exposure to modern ideas and living in the city. He believes that love should be the foundation of marriage, regardless of cultural differences. Nnameka tells his father, "I thought you would be pleased to hear that I am getting married to Nene" (Achebe, paragraph 4). This shows that he anticipated his father's approval, which was not the case.
3. As a result of their conflicting beliefs, Nnameka's father severs ties with his son and refuses to attend the wedding. After Nnameka sends a letter to his father informing him about his marriage plans, his father's response is described as follows: "The reply was written with cold, calm finality. 'I have read your letter. I have nothing more to say'" (Achebe, paragraph 10). This highlights the disappointment and rejection Nnameka experienced from his father.
Overall, the evidence suggests that Nnameka's relationship with his father was strained before he married Nene because of their contrasting perspectives on the importance of cultural adherence and personal choice in marriage.