Marriage Is A Private Affair Summary

Nene and
Nnaemeka are a young couple living in Lagos, Nigeria, who plan on getting married. In the
opening conversation between the two characters, Nnaemeka expresses his concern about notifying
his father about their upcoming marriage. Nnaemeka's father, Okeke, is from the Ibo tribe, where
traditionally the parents choose a bride for their sons, and he will not accept Nnaemeka's
decision to marry a woman on his own. Since Nnaemeka has received a letter from his father
stating that Okeke has chosen him a bride, Nnaemeka decides to visit his father and tell him the
news face to face. When Nnaemeka informs his father that he plans on a marrying Nene, who is
from a different tribe, Okeke disapproves of the marriage and shuns his son. Nnaemeka leaves for
Lagos and hopes that one day Okeke will relent and accept him and Nene into his life.
Unfortunately, Okeke remains obstinate and refuses to acknowledge Nnaemeka and Nene because they
have broken tradition. Years pass and the married couple grows into a loving family and is
accepted by the Ibo members living in the city of Lagos. At the end of the story, Nene sends
Nnaemeka's father a letter informing him that he has two grandchildren. Nene asks Okeke if she
can send them to visit their grandfather. After reading the letter, Okeke begins to feel guilty
and looks out into the stormy weather as he worries if he will ever be able to make it up to
them.