Marriage is a Private Affair

How does the evolving relationship between Nnaemeka and Okeke develop the theme of generational conflict? Why does Achebe choose to end the story where he does rather than depicting a reconciliation between the father and son? How does this open-ended resolution impact the story’s overall meaning?

How does Achebe use setting to develop the tension between tradition and change? How do the cosmopolitan capital city of Lagos and the unnamed Igbo village shape Nene and Okeke, respectively? How does Nnaemeka’s knowledge of both settings influence his relationships with the other characters?

How does Okeke’s view of marriage contrast with the views held by Nnaemeka and Nene? How do Okeke and Nnaemeka’s contrasting descriptions of Ugoye illustrate these differences?

Explain the significance of herbalism in Igbo culture. How does the discussion about the herbalist develop Okeke’s character? How do the distinctions between Okeke and his friends in the village add nuance to the theme of change and tradition?

Throughout the story, Okeke’s actions and dialogue allude to Christianity. How is Christianity portrayed in the story? In what ways does it bring people together? In what ways does it push them apart? What point is the author making about religion?

How is Nene portrayed in this story? In what ways does she subvert tradition, and in what ways does she respect it? Consider the letter that she writes to Okeke in your response.

Discuss the relationship between Nene and Nnaemeka. In what ways do they differ from one another, and how do they preserve their relationship despite these differences and others’ objections?

Discuss the meaning of the title, “Marriage is a Private Affair.” Which characters would agree with this sentiment regarding marriage and which would disagree? Why?