When a mosquito buzzes in Okonkwo’s ear, he is reminded of some story. Who tells him the story, and how is it associated with his life?

In the beginning of chapter 9, when Okonkwo sleeps in his obi after three days from the death of Ikemefuna, in the middle of night when he stretched himself and scratched his thigh where a mosquito had bitten him in his sleep. Another one was wailing near his right ear. He slapped the ear and hoped he had killed it. He was just thinking, why do mosquitoes always go for one’s ears? Just then he remembered that when he was a child his mother had told him a story about it, but it was as silly as women’s stories. “Once mosquito had asked ear to marry him. (Here mosquito is taken as masculine and ear as feminine). Whereupon the ear fell on the floor in uncontrollable laughter. “How much longer do you think you will live”, she asked, “You are already a Skeleton”. The Mosquito went away humiliated, and every time he passed her way, he told ear that he was still alive that is why mosquito buzz in one’s ear always.

If we replace Unoka and Okonkwo in place of the ear and mosquito, you will notice that the ear (Okonkwo) is offended just by sight of mosquito (Unoka) and didn’t want to do anything with him. Ear also called a mosquito weak by saying he would die within the week having accomplished nothing in the end. Mosquito survives and lingers around ear, reminding him that he is still alive. One must be wondering how Unoka can still linger around when he is dead. Well that is what Nwoye is for. He has feminine qualities of his grandfather so faint (like a buzz of a mosquito) but strong enough for only Okonkwo to notice in shape of his son Nwoye.