The opinions of Nnaemeka's father, the village men, and the women of Lagos are simply a product of prejudice and fear of the other. It is the same fear that gripped America (and still does in many households) over interracial marriage. Nnaemeka is an Ibo man and Nene an Ibibio woman. In past times the tribes did not mix and may have been, at one point in history, enemies. In modern times, however, these ethnic groups live amenably in areas of Nigeria, especially the large city of Lagos. Yet even in Lagos there is prejudice against these interethnic relationships.
Achebe's story is an attempt to break down these barriers. Twice in the story he suggests that the marriage will be ultimately accepted. In Lagos, the initial prejudice toward Nene by the Ibo women begins to evaporate and they are impressed by the orderliness of her home as she gains friends and acceptance. Nnaemeka's father too begins to relent after receiving a letter from Nene informing him that he has two grandsons who would very much like to see him. In the closing lines, Achebe suggests that the father will give in and accept Nene and the children of the mixed relationship. Children are often a good reason for families to put aside old disagreements and grudges.
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