Actually, he's Achebe's hero. Just as in a Trollope novel, it's not the young lovers who fear or even consider the obstacles in their path, it's the parents, those creatures who belong in two worlds at once and who must deal with the disappointing changes that come with cultural progress. No one nods or approves. A lot of head-shaking. Back to this story.
Many students groan with disgust or laugh.
Of course was a key phrase all day. It takes a moment for that detail to sink in, and they don't laugh, but several make faces showing various degrees of consternation. If you think that through, then you can imagine something of what Nnaemeka does before he goes home to see his father. She doesn't understand how his father could object. Or, if you found a gay partner, and you wanted to marry her.