Unoka: Lazy or Misunderstood? Nigerian Literary Society Sparked Debate
The Nigerian Literary Society (NLS) and The Book Section of Port Harcourt Club joined forces on June 29th, 2024, to celebrate a literary giant: Chinua Achebe's iconic "Things Fall Apart." This year's event focused on a character often seen as flawed, Unoka, Okonkwo's father. The question? Was Unoka truly lazy, or was his talent simply out of sync with his time?
The lively discussion, led by author Humphrey Ogu ("Echoes of Neglect"), featured a diverse panel: Uzo Nwamara, Prof. Hellen Okujagu, Ms. Salome Ikokoyo-Ojorie, and Dr. Leebe Joel. The evening unfolded like a captivating story.
Mr. Nwamara set the stage with historical context, exploring the colonial influence on societal values and the concept of "success" in Achebe's era. He argued that judging Unoka by modern standards of paid work was unfair.
Prof. Okujagu took the narrative a step further, highlighting Unoka's role in nurturing his son, Okonkwo, the novel's protagonist. She suggested Unoka's music, even if not financially rewarding, fueled Okonkwo's spirit.
Ms. Ikokoyo-Ojorie offered a compelling counterpoint. While acknowledging Unoka's talent, she argued that his inability to translate it into practical support for his family could be seen as a form of intellectual laziness.
Dr. Joel presented a nuanced perspective. He viewed Unoka as a "text entity," a character defined by the novel, not someone to be judged as strictly lazy or not.
The audience actively participated, with prominent figures like Mr. Stephen Akurika, Mr. Eneyor, Mr. Dickson, and Mr. T.C. Wanyanwu adding their voices to the debate. Even Prof. Priye Iyalla Amadi, founder of The Book Section, weighed in, firmly believing Unoka wasn't lazy.
The Choice-Vine International School's students added a delightful touch with their insightful presentation on Unoka.
The evening concluded with a warm vote of thanks from Prof. Ibiere Ken-Maduako and appreciation for the media coverage by Mr. Marcus Chucz of South South online.com.
The Nigerian Literary Society's event proved that a "lazy" character can spark lively discussions and challenge our perceptions. It was a night of literary exploration, reminding us that great stories offer more than just black and white answers.
David Chukwueke is the Curator and Founder of the Nigerian Literary Society (NLS) @followers @highlight
