The central
idea of the story reveals that choice-based marriages can prove successful, even in societies
where arranged marriages are the norm, when there is love and commitment between the parties
involved. Indeed love can conquer anything.
The story is based on an Ibo
society, whose marriage customs require that couples are matchmade. Nnaemeka thus faces stiff
opposition from his family, and village at large, about his plans to marry Nene, a woman he has
met in the city of Lagos. His father Okeke is so furious that he decides to erase the memory of
his son from his mind, especially after Nnaemeka marries Nene in spite of his and the clans
objections. Okeke even bans his son from his home. Over the years, however, an undeterred Nene
works hard to gain the approval of the clan. She makes friends with her husbands village mates,
who are living in the city. She even writes a letter to her father in law, begging him to
reconsider their situation, as their children would really want to visit the village to see
their grandfather. This letter really touches the old mans heart. The story ends, with Okeke in
a remorseful mood, thinking about his innocent grandchildren and how he just might die without
making it up to them.
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