Summary of Apollo
The story was written in the first person point of view, and the story's opening line, "Twice a month, like a dutiful son, I visited my parents in Enugu, in their small, overfurnished flat that grew dark in the afternoon," is astute in its portrayal of the narrator's sense of obligation and the gloomy atmosphere that pervades his parents' home. The use of the phrase "like a dutiful son" suggests a sense of duty and responsibility that drives the narrator's regular visits. Furthermore, the mention of the flat growing dark in the afternoon hints at a gloomy and melancholic ambiance, setting the stage for potential conflicts or hidden secrets that may unfold throughout the story.
The last line, "I could have taken back my lie and left my parents merely to wonder," as well as the mention of the "lie," implies that the narrator is keeping something from his parents, adding a layer of intrigue and suspense to the narrative. This lie may be the catalyst for the conflicts that are foreshadowed, as it suggests that the narrator's visits are not solely driven by duty but also by a desire to maintain a facade. The phrase "merely to wonder" hints at the potential consequences that may arise if the truth were to be revealed, leaving the reader curious about what will happen next in the story.
Getting to the root, in "Apollo," a "dutiful son" named Okenwa travels to see his parents, who have retired. In his perspective, they have evolved from the intellectual ideas of his formative years to accept the superstitious beliefs and the tales they despised just fifteen years before.
Okenwa, who is now 27, has also transformed in mind and in physical stature. A talk he had with his older parents about a rise in crime in their region prompts him to return to a time when he was about twelve years old. Raphael, one of the band leaders, is said to be a former houseboy of theirs. His mother dismisses it, claiming that her kid wasn't going to recall this houseboy because there had been several others, and her son had been so little and naive.
"Of course," the narrator says to the reader, "I remembered Raphael." And it seems like the memories of their adventures together flooded mind. How could Okenwa ever forget? They had traversed vast mountains, explored hidden caves, and braved treacherous jungles. Every step of the way, Okenwa's friend had been by his side, their laughter echoing through the wilderness. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and the memories they created would forever be etched in Okenwa's heart.
The narrative returns to the time when Okenwa and Raphael first become friends. Together, they practise nunchucks, watch Bruce Lee films, and keep their social awkwardness hidden from his strict and rigid parents. "It was after school, with Raphael, that my real life began," he said. Okenwa reminisced about those happy moments with Raphael, where they would escape the pressures of their strict upbringing and indulge in their shared passions. Their friendship not only provided an escape from their social awkwardness but also gave them a sense of belonging and purpose. Okenwa realized that it was through his friendship with Raphael that he truly discovered himself and experienced the joys of a genuine connection.
And when Raphael contracts "Apollo," conjunctivitis, their camaraderie is elevated to a new level. (A pandemic of conjunctivitis raced through numerous African nations at the same time as the Apollo 11 moon landing. A moniker of "Apollo" was afterwards given to the illness.) The hallmark is that Raphael and his friends had always shared a strong bond, but when they discovered that he had contracted "Apollo," their support for him grew immensely. They rallied around him, offering their assistance and ensuring he felt loved and cared for during his recovery. This unexpected turn of events brought them even closer together, forging a camaraderie that would last a lifetime.
The houseboy gets driven to his quarters by the parents, who also give him the necessary medications but do not teach Raphael how to administer eye drops. Without consulting or getting permission from his parents, Okenwa resolves to help out of affection. Apollo strikes Okenwa shortly after that. The story reaches its climax at that point.
One would find this story to be neat and tidy. It was sparse yet ideal, with all the elements of a short narrative present: character, plot, topic, conflict, and setting. It was a fantastic read with a classic presentation. Each character had their own distinct traits and characterisation, and they were all well-developed. The plot was engaging and is capable of keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end, with unexpected twists and turns that added excitement and suspense. The topic it explored was thought-provoking, making giving reflections on deeper issues long after it must have been read. The conflict was expertly crafted, creating tension and driving the story forward. Lastly, the setting was vividly described, transporting to a different time and place. Overall, this story was a true gem, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
"I am drawn to brave endings that stun you and make you reconsider the beginning," writes the author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Did her story accomplish this here? Was Okenwa a good son? Adichie's story certainly accomplished the goal of delivering a brave ending that leaves readers stunned and questioning the beginning. The character of Okenwa portrayed a complex and multi-dimensional persona throughout the narrative. While he may not have adhered to conventional expectations of being a "good son," his actions and choices challenged societal norms and forced readers to reevaluate their own notions of filial duty and loyalty. Ultimately, Okenwa's character served as a catalyst for examining the complexities of family dynamics and the pressures placed on individuals to conform to societal expectations. Adichie's portrayal of Okenwa reminds readers that being a "good son" is not always about blindly following tradition, but rather about making choices that align with one's own values and principles. By defying expectations and questioning the status quo, Okenwa's character encourages readers to critically analyze the power dynamics within their own families and to consider the importance of individual agency in shaping one's own identity.
