Question

Read the excerpt and answer the question.

He sighed heavily, and as if in sympathy the smouldering log also sighed. And immediately Okonkwo's eyes
were opened and he saw the whole matter clearly. Living fire begets cold, impotent ash. He sighed again,
deeply.
When Achebe compares Okonkwo to a "smouldering log" in this excerpt from Things Fall Apart, he is implying that

Answer 1

In this excerpt from Things Fall Apart, Achebe compares Okonkwo to a "smouldering log." This implies that Okonkwo's inner emotions or feelings are hidden or repressed, and his once strong and passionate personality has become diminished.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this excerpt from Things Fall Apart, Achebe compares Okonkwo to a "smouldering log." This comparison suggests that Okonkwo's inner emotions or feelings are hidden or repressed, just like the smouldering log conceals its fire. The sighs of the log in sympathy with Okonkwo indicate that he is experiencing a moment of self-reflection or realization. The phrase 'Living fire begets cold, impotent ash' implies that Okonkwo's once strong and passionate personality has become diminished or ineffective, much like a burning log turns into cold ash over time.

Learn more about Comparative symbolism in Things Fall Apart