"Going against traditional cultural practices can result in grave outcomes. Discuss this statement with close reference to the short story 'Ivory Bangles' by Eric Ng’maryo."

In the short story "Ivory Bangles" by Eric Ng’maryo, the author effectively demonstrates that defying cultural norms can result in serious and often tragic consequences. The old man and his wife, driven by love and personal convictions, repeatedly go against the expectations of their community and spiritual traditions. Unfortunately, their refusal to adhere to these norms leads to great suffering and loss.

Firstly, the old man defies the cultural expectation of subjecting his wife to a ritual beating as demanded by the pebbles during a divination ceremony. The seer warns, “The pebbles said a wife was going to die. The spirits were jealous of a happy wife, a woman unmolested by her husband until old age.”  Out of deep love for his wife, the old man refuses to perform this symbolic act of violence, hoping instead to appease the spirits with a sacrifice of goats. However, this defiance does not change the fate foretold by the pebbles. His wife ultimately dies, fulfilling the prophecy, which serves as a clear warning that ignoring spiritual rituals can lead to devastating consequences.

Secondly, the old man goes against the cultural expectation of polygamy, especially after being appointed a councillor — a position likened to that of a small chief. In the community’s view, “Whoever heard of a chief with one wife?” (Pg 22). Despite pressure from the ageing chief and the community, he rejects the idea of marrying a second wife, offering a riddle in response. His decision, though rooted in love and satisfaction with his wife, earns him gossip and ridicule. Worse still, after the tragic death of his wife, he is left a lonely, wifeless leader, proving that failure to comply with societal roles can lead to emotional devastation and social isolation.

Thirdly, the old man further violates cultural and environmental norms by engaging in elephant poaching to impress his wife. He illegally kills an elephant, fashions bangles from its tusks, and proudly says, “She is very comely in the many ivory bangles she wears. I made them, Sir, and the ivory was from the elephant I shot with a poisoned arrow.” (Pg 23). While this act symbolizes his devotion, it also disrupts the natural order. Ironically, the same elephants whose tusks adorn his wife are the ones that later trample her to death. This tragic event highlights the consequences of exploiting nature for selfish reasons, reflecting how defying natural and cultural taboos invites disaster.

Fourthly, the old man’s wife herself becomes a victim of defying cultural processes. In a bid to avoid the ritual beating, she agrees to pretend to have fled to her brother’s home, expecting a reconciliation process. However, instead of leaving immediately, she chooses to delay by weeding the garden. She laments her son’s violent nature, saying, “Why is my son so different from his father?” (Pg 25). Her unnecessary delay becomes fatal when a rogue elephant attacks and kills her. This incident shows how even small acts of ignoring timing, caution, or spiritual warnings can have irreversible consequences.

Fifthly, the old man’s failure to respect spiritual beliefs and the instructions of the seer leads directly to his wife’s demise. Instead of accepting the bitter requirement of the ritual beating, he tries to bargain with the spirits, suggesting offering goats instead. He even postpones discussing the matter with his wife, thinking, “This was not the atmosphere for discussing the words of the pebbles.” (Pg 22). His attempt to escape spiritual obligation reflects a dangerous underestimation of the supernatural powers deeply respected in his culture. As a result, fate catches up with them in the most painful way.

Lastly, by refusing to conform to communal expectations of leadership, the old man suffers deep social ridicule and isolation. A councillor is expected to be a role model, including fulfilling societal expectations like polygamy, which is seen as a sign of wealth and status. His refusal invites whispers and mockery: “He still was the chief’s councillor, much respected, but also much talked about because he had only one wife.” (Pg 22). After his wife’s death, his decision leaves him a lonely leader, mocked and pitied. This illustrates how defying communal norms damages one’s social standing and personal happiness.

In conclusion, "Ivory Bangles" serves as a powerful reminder that while love is noble and admirable, ignoring deeply ingrained cultural norms, spiritual expectations, and societal roles can lead to tragic and painful consequences.