ENG1501
Assignment 3
DUE 11 August 2025
, SECTION A: Reflection (15 Marks)
Prior to enrolling in this module, my engagement with novels was sporadic and largely
superficial. Although I had read a few literary texts in school and during leisure time, I
had never critically engaged with them through an academic lens. My reading
experience was limited to surface-level understanding, and I often focused more on plot
than on interpreting underlying themes or analyzing literary techniques.
However, there was one novel that had a lasting impact on me even before this course
— Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I found this novel deeply powerful because of
its compelling portrayal of traditional Igbo society before and during the early days of
colonialism. Achebe’s ability to bring African traditions and values to life through
storytelling made the novel more than just a literary piece; it became a window into
history, identity, and cultural conflict. The protagonist, Okonkwo, left a lasting
impression on me. His internal struggles, masculinity, and ultimate downfall illustrated
the tragic consequences of rigid pride and the clash between personal convictions and
societal expectations. Okonkwo’s complexity made him feel real and relatable — not a
distant hero or villain, but a flawed individual caught in the grip of rapid change and
deep cultural pressure. I admired how Achebe used language, proverbs, and symbolism
to create an emotionally immersive experience.
On the other hand, I found Great Expectations by Charles Dickens to be a more difficult
read. Although I could recognize the novel's literary and historical value, I struggled to
connect with its narrative style and characters. The archaic language, slow narrative
pace, and long-winded descriptions made the reading experience less engaging for me.
Unlike Achebe’s vivid, culturally immersive storytelling, Dickens’ Victorian style felt
distant from my own background and life experience. The protagonist, Pip, did not
evoke the same emotional connection I felt with Okonkwo. I found it difficult to relate to
his context and journey, which felt abstract and overly drawn-out. As a result, my
interest waned at times, and I found it challenging to complete the novel.
Assignment 3
DUE 11 August 2025
, SECTION A: Reflection (15 Marks)
Prior to enrolling in this module, my engagement with novels was sporadic and largely
superficial. Although I had read a few literary texts in school and during leisure time, I
had never critically engaged with them through an academic lens. My reading
experience was limited to surface-level understanding, and I often focused more on plot
than on interpreting underlying themes or analyzing literary techniques.
However, there was one novel that had a lasting impact on me even before this course
— Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I found this novel deeply powerful because of
its compelling portrayal of traditional Igbo society before and during the early days of
colonialism. Achebe’s ability to bring African traditions and values to life through
storytelling made the novel more than just a literary piece; it became a window into
history, identity, and cultural conflict. The protagonist, Okonkwo, left a lasting
impression on me. His internal struggles, masculinity, and ultimate downfall illustrated
the tragic consequences of rigid pride and the clash between personal convictions and
societal expectations. Okonkwo’s complexity made him feel real and relatable — not a
distant hero or villain, but a flawed individual caught in the grip of rapid change and
deep cultural pressure. I admired how Achebe used language, proverbs, and symbolism
to create an emotionally immersive experience.
On the other hand, I found Great Expectations by Charles Dickens to be a more difficult
read. Although I could recognize the novel's literary and historical value, I struggled to
connect with its narrative style and characters. The archaic language, slow narrative
pace, and long-winded descriptions made the reading experience less engaging for me.
Unlike Achebe’s vivid, culturally immersive storytelling, Dickens’ Victorian style felt
distant from my own background and life experience. The protagonist, Pip, did not
evoke the same emotional connection I felt with Okonkwo. I found it difficult to relate to
his context and journey, which felt abstract and overly drawn-out. As a result, my
interest waned at times, and I found it challenging to complete the novel.
