Important Questions Chapter 22 English Rainbow Part 2 Class 12 Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

Marriage is a Private Affair

Short Questions with Answers

1. Who is the author of “Marriage is a Private Affair”?

• The author of “Marriage is a Private Affair” is Chinua Achebe.

2. Where does Nene live?

• Nene lives at 16 Kasanga Street in Lagos.

3. Why does Nene ask Nnaemeka to write to his father?

• Nene asks Nnaemeka to write to his father to share the happy news of their engagement.

4. What is Nnaemeka’s main concern about telling his father about his engagement?

• Nnaemeka is concerned that his father will not approve of his engagement to Nene.

5. Who is Ugoye Nweke in the story?

• Ugoye Nweke is the girl Nnaemeka’s father has chosen for him to marry.

6. What does Nnaemeka’s father value most in a wife?

• Nnaemeka’s father values good character and a Christian background in a wife.

7. Why does Nnaemeka reject the idea of marrying Ugoye?

• Nnaemeka rejects the idea because he does not love her.

8. What does Nnaemeka’s father believe about women teaching?

• Nnaemeka’s father believes that no Christian woman should teach.

9. What is Nene’s profession?

• Nene is a teacher in a Girls’ School in Lagos.

10. What reaction does Nnaemeka’s father have when he learns about Nene?

• Nnaemeka’s father becomes deeply upset and refuses to accept her.

11. How does Nnaemeka feel about his father’s rejection?

• Nnaemeka feels deeply affected but remains hopeful his father will change.

12. What do the villagers suggest Nnaemeka’s father should do about his son?

• The villagers suggest consulting a native doctor to “cure” Nnaemeka’s mind.

13. What does Okeke do with Nnaemeka and Nene’s wedding photo?

• Okeke cuts off Nene’s part of the photo and sends it back to Nnaemeka.

14. What do Nnaemeka and Nene’s children want to do?

• Nnaemeka and Nene’s children want to visit their grandfather, Okeke.

15. Why does Okeke refuse to see his son for many years?

• Okeke refuses to see his son because he cannot accept his marriage to Nene.

16. How does Nene eventually gain some acceptance in Lagos?

• Nene gains acceptance in Lagos by breaking through prejudices and making friends.

17. What natural event coincides with Okeke’s change of heart?

• A rainstorm coincides with Okeke’s internal struggle and change of heart.

18. Why does Okeke begin to feel remorseful?

• Okeke feels remorseful thinking about his grandsons standing outside in the rain.

19. How long does Okeke hold a grudge against Nnaemeka?

• Okeke holds a grudge against Nnaemeka for eight years.

20. What is the central theme of the story?

• The central theme of the story is the conflict between tradition and modernity.

Medium Questions with Answers

1. What is the main conflict in the story “Marriage is a Private Affair” ?

• The main conflict in the story is between Nnaemeka and his father, Okeke. Nnaemeka wants to marry Nene, a girl he loves, but Okeke opposes the marriage because Nene is not from their tribe, the Ibo. This creates tension between tradition and personal choice.

2. Why does Nnaemeka believe his father will not accept Nene?

• Nnaemeka believes his father will not accept Nene because she is not Ibo. He knows that in their tradition, marriages are arranged within the tribe, and his father values these customs deeply.

3. How does Nene feel about Nnaemeka’s hesitation to inform his father?

• Nene feels disappointed and does not understand why Nnaemeka hesitates. She believes that their love and happiness should be enough for his father to accept their engagement.

4. What is the significance of Ugoye’s character in the story?

• Ugoye represents the traditional expectations of marriage in Ibo society. Okeke values her as the ideal wife because she has a Christian upbringing and follows the customs he deems important.

5. What does Okeke say about Christian women teaching?

• Okeke strongly opposes the idea of Christian women teaching, quoting St. Paul’s advice that women should remain silent. This reflects his rigid, traditional mindset about gender roles in society.

6. How does Nnaemeka’s father’s community react to the marriage news?

• The community supports Okeke’s disapproval of Nnaemeka’s marriage. They believe that marrying outside the tribe is unacceptable and even suggest consulting a herbalist to “fix” Nnaemeka’s behavior.

7. What role does religion play in the story?

• Religion plays a complex role, influencing Okeke’s views on marriage and women’s roles. It also highlights the tension between religious interpretation and personal happiness.

8. How does Okeke communicate with Nnaemeka after the marriage?

• Okeke communicates with Nnaemeka only through brief, cold letters. He even returns the wedding photo after cutting out Nene’s part, showing his refusal to accept her.

9. How does Nene handle the rejection from Okeke?

• Nene handles the rejection with patience and resilience. She continues to support her husband while gradually building relationships with others in Lagos.

10. Why do the villagers avoid mentioning Nnaemeka in Okeke’s presence?

• The villagers avoid mentioning Nnaemeka because it angers Okeke. They fear his temper and his strong refusal to acknowledge his son’s marriage.

11. What does Okeke imagine when he thinks of his grandsons?

• Okeke imagines his grandsons standing outside in the rain, looking sad and forsaken. This image stirs his conscience and leads him to reconsider his estrangement.

12. What does the rainstorm symbolize in the story?

• The rainstorm symbolizes a turning point in Okeke’s emotional struggle. It mirrors his inner conflict and foreshadows his eventual change of heart.

13. How does Nene’s letter impact Okeke?

• Nene’s letter mentioning their grandsons makes Okeke reflect on his actions. It stirs feelings of guilt and remorse, breaking through his emotional barriers.

14. What generational differences are evident in the story?

• The story highlights differences in attitudes toward marriage and tradition between Nnaemeka and his father. While Nnaemeka values love and choice, Okeke adheres to traditional customs.

15. What lesson does the story “Marriage is a Private Affair” teach us?

• The story teaches that love and understanding can bridge gaps caused by cultural and generational differences. It emphasizes the importance of compassion and adaptability in relationships.

Long Questions with Answers

1. How does the story “Marriage is a Private Affair” depict the generational conflict between Nnaemeka and his father?

• The story depicts generational conflict as Nnaemeka embraces modern ideas of love and individual choice, while his father, Okeke, clings to traditional values and societal expectations. Nnaemeka believes in breaking free from customs, whereas Okeke sees tradition as essential to family honor. Their differing perspectives highlight the gap between old and new ways of thinking.

2. How does tribalism affect relationships in the story “Marriage is a Private Affair”?

• Tribalism profoundly affects relationships in the story by creating a barrier between Nnaemeka and his father. Okeke’s prejudice against Nene stems from her being from a different tribe, leading to rejection and estrangement. This highlights how rigid tribal loyalties can hinder personal connections and perpetuate social divisions.

3. What does Nnaemeka’s refusal to marry Ugoye signify in the context of the story?

• Nnaemeka’s refusal to marry Ugoye signifies his rejection of societal expectations in favor of personal happiness. It marks a bold step toward modernity, where love and compatibility take precedence over arranged marriages. This act challenges the traditions upheld by his father and community, sparking the central conflict of the story.

4. How does Okeke’s rejection of Nene reflect his adherence to tradition?

• Okeke’s rejection of Nene reflects his unwavering adherence to tradition and his inability to accept change. He sees marriage as a union controlled by elders, bound by tribal and religious customs. By rejecting Nene solely based on her cultural background, Okeke prioritizes societal norms over his son’s happiness.

5. How does Nene’s resilience influence her relationship with Nnaemeka and others?

• Nene’s resilience helps her build a strong relationship with Nnaemeka and gradually gain acceptance from others. Despite facing prejudice from both Okeke and their community, she remains patient and optimistic. Her perseverance allows her to challenge stereotypes and integrate into the Lagos community, showing her strength and adaptability.

6. What does the storm symbolize in Okeke’s transformation at the end of the story?

• The storm symbolizes the emotional upheaval and eventual breaking down of Okeke’s rigid beliefs. It mirrors his internal conflict as he struggles to reconcile his love for his grandsons with his stubborn pride. The storm’s cleansing nature hints at a fresh start, reflecting his growing remorse and desire for reconciliation.

7. How does the community’s reaction to Nnaemeka’s marriage reflect societal norms?

• The community’s reaction reflects their rigid adherence to societal norms, which condemn marriages outside the tribe. Their suggestion to consult a herbalist shows their belief in traditional solutions to modern conflicts. This collective resistance highlights the deep-rooted cultural barriers faced by individuals seeking personal freedom.

8. How does Okeke’s estrangement from Nnaemeka affect him over the years?

• Okeke’s estrangement from Nnaemeka isolates him emotionally, despite his outward resolve. His strict adherence to tradition causes inner turmoil, as he suppresses his paternal instincts. Over the years, his rigidity strains his relationships and leaves him struggling with guilt and loneliness, especially when confronted with thoughts of his grandsons.

9. What does Nene’s letter reveal about her character and her hopes for reconciliation?

• Nene’s letter reveals her patience, emotional intelligence, and belief in reconciliation. She writes with humility and appeals to Okeke’s love for family by mentioning their sons. Her approach shows her willingness to prioritize familial bonds and her hope to bridge the gap between her husband and his father.

10. How does “Marriage is a Private Affair” highlight the tension between individual desires and societal expectations?

• The story highlights this tension through Nnaemeka’s choice to marry for love, defying his father’s traditional expectations. His decision sparks conflict, as societal norms prioritize arranged marriages and tribal loyalty. The narrative explores the challenges of balancing personal happiness with cultural obligations, ultimately advocating for understanding and change.