Chapter Six Summary

In the evening, the village square was packed with people who had come to witness the wrestling match. The wrestling started with bouts between young boys in which a boy named Maduka stood out victoriously for defeating his opponent in a flash.

During the break, as the drummers’ rested, spectators chit-chatted with each other. Okonkwo’s second wife Ekwefi talked to a fellow bystander, Chielo, who explained nonchalantly that if her daughter had crossed the age of six, she would live. Chielo was also the priestess of agbala, the oracle, and was very fond of Ekwefi’s daughter Ezinma.

The best wrestlers in the game were Ikezue and Okafo, who fought at the very end. The match was won by Okafo who went home, highly praised and respected.

Chapter Six Analysis

The wrestling match is a highlight in the year of the Igbo people as it is a spectator sport and involves everyone. During the game too, people are respectful of private space and make conversation between breaks. There is nothing uncivilized about their social gatherings which are well-organized and planned. In the end, the winning wrestlers are taken home as heroes, amidst chants and praises of their prowess.