Things Fall Apart Essay

Throughout the course of the book Achebe frequently uses African worlds and phrases to describe and show the different aspect of Igbo culture. The familiarity in, which the narrative focuses on the African language creates a sense of authenticity to the writing. What is unique about the narrative tone found within the book is that not only does the author frequently insert the african language within the diction, but the way he translates or explains the words in plain english so the readers who are unfamiliar with the language can still follow, for example: “ ‘Agbala do-o-o-o! Umuachi! Agbala ekene unuo-o-ol’ It was just as Ekwefi had thought. The

Even though the Ibo are described as ‘primitive and savage’ by Mr. Smith, one of the missionary church leaders, the tribesmen evidently show their etiquette through their mannerisms. Proverbs, a form of Ibo mannerisms, are used quite frequently throughout this novel as ‘the art of conversation is regarded very highly [by the Ibo], and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.’ (Achebe. P.5:1986) The Ibo people are also not as violent and savage as many of the missionaries believed. This is shown when a villager from the Mbaino village kills a woman from the Ibo village, the Ibo village elders and those with titles, instead of initiating war against the neighbouring Mbaino, reach a peaceful agreement on the reparations from the Mbaino tribe.‘… [A]t the end it was decided to follow the normal course of action. An ultimatum was immediately dispatched to Mbaino asking them to choose between wars on the one hand, and on the other the offer of a young man and a virgin as compensation.” (P.8)

Change is a reoccurring theme throughout history. It destroys and creates. It displaces and introduces. It can cause death and life. The movement of imperialism in Africa brought great change to the native tribal life. Forcing the indigenous people to turn away from their century-old traditions caused violent rifts between the European settlers and the tribes, as well as internal problems between once amiable members of the Ibo culture. With the introduction of the foreign Western Society in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the tribe’s life and ideals are drastically altered as the new ethics and principles collide with the old traditions and laws, causing the members of the society to either adapt or be crushed underneath the foot of colonialism. Achebe’s character, Okonkwo, was impacted immensely by the cultural collision, as his previous way of life was pulverized before his eyes, and he found no reason to live any longer.

Before the arrival of European influence, villagers of Umuofia had a single option for a way of life. It was a place to be feared, dominated by war and violent practices. Ibo culture is centered on a patriarchal system based on hierarchy; the highest titles held by male egwugwu in the legal system and the osu at the bottom. The main character, Okonkwo, represents the ambition to strive for a higher position in society in order to gain status: “His life had been ruled by a great passion-to become one of the lords of the clan” (131). Another aspect in Ibo culture is the representation of women. They are undermined in order for men to achieve success; bride prices are used to able men to marry more than one wife and husbands are

Things Fall Apart is a story about personal beliefs and customs and also a story about conflict. There is struggle between family, culture, and religion of the Ibo people which is all brought on by a difference in personal beliefs and customs. There are the strong opinions of the main character, Okonkwo. We are also introduced to the views of his village, Umuofia. Finally, we see how things fall apart when these beliefs and customs are confronted by those of the white missionaries. Chinua Achebe is a product of both native and European cultures. This has a great effect on the telling of the story. When he tells the story with an understanding and personal experiences in both cultures. He does not portray the African culture and their

The Role of Women in the Ibo Culture The culture in which 'Things Fall Apart' is centered around is one where patriarchal testosterone is supreme and oppresses all females into a nothingness. They are to be seen and not heard, farming, caring for animals, raising children, carrying foo-foo, pots of water, and kola. The role of women in the Ibo culture was mostly domestic. The men saw them as material possessions and thought of them as a source of children and as cooks.

As well as maintaining good morals and values, the Ibo people further connected with their gods and ancestors through the act of sacrifice. The Ibo people would sacrifice anything from fruit, small animals and in some instances, people. On page 17, Unoka explains that, “before I put any crop in the earth, I sacrifice a cock to Ani, the owner of all land. It is the law of our fathers. I also kill a cock at the shrine of Ifejioku, the god of yams.” Although some of the practices of the Ibo religion may seem harsh, its primary goal is to maintain a peaceful and just society. Just as the Ibo celebrate religion with their gods, they also celebrate with each other. Later on page 97, Tortoise explains that he has, “…learned that a man who makes trouble for others is also making it for himself,” which demonstrates how the Ibo people followed principles similar to that of the “golden rule” found in many other religions of the time.

This is taught through basic cause and effect. First, when the missionaries arrive to Mbanta, and are allowed deeper into society, showing miscommunication and underestimation from the Ibo. Secondly, when leaders lament how this has negatively impacted their culture. Lastly, when the full effect is shown after a violent confrontation, and it is understood that by failing to understand each other they have damaged their culture and their relationship irreparably- their initial conflict gives way to

Arianna Rabago Ms. Ramirez English II- A1 29 April 2015 Argument Essay: Things Fall Apart In sections two and three of the short novel Things Fall Apart, written by Chinua Achebe, the reader is transported back in time and given the opportunity to recount the establishment of Christian missionaries in Ibo society as well as view the impact they had on Umuofia. Chinua Achebe's purpose of writing this novel is to portray the Ibo community as vividly and honestly as possible while demonstrating the intricate customs, rituals, and laws that were followed daily by citizens. With the acceptance of a new religion on the rise, ancient tribal traditions begin to fade into a memory and the morality of the village becomes jeopardized.

The Ibo tribe's use of proverbs, though

Through the perspectives of these two characters Achebe is able to create an African perspective of the loss of a distinct African culture as it is replaced by the adaptation to westernized culture and religion. Achebe skillfully establishes a heart wrenching novel that perfectly describes colonization of foreign soils. Achebe's artfully created novel conveys that as a society, we must wisely evaluate our choices to adapt as long as it positively shapes our

There are several western African beliefs of spirits.the 4 religious beliefs are impersonal powers, spirit beings, divinities /god, and the supreme being.the impersonal are also referred as mystical, which can be used for both good and evil.These spirits can affect the human lives in either positive or negative ways. Dominant and pervasive are chateristics of impersonal powers. in African beliefs of spirit beings they cateogorized them by non human spirits and spirits of the dead. African culture worshiped more the deities than the high God. They tend to uplift deities as the high God. The spiritual theme plays important roles in the story Things fall apart. In the story there are various quotes and examples that refer to the African belief

Things Fall Apart is, above all, an account of the destructive effects of European colonialism in Africa told through the story of Okonkwo, a respectable leader of an Ibo tribe. Okonkwo is a proud and fearless warrior and respected throughout his region, but is eventually confronted with a force too powerful to overcome: imperial Britain. The clash between the values of the oppressor and those of the oppressed drove the tale to its climax and inevitably leads the reader to question the moral imperative of the colonizers. The will of the colonists to bring light and civilization to the savage peoples of the world is exposed as an ironic facade used to justify

Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart” chronicles the life of Okonkwo, a strong man whose existence is dominated by fear and anger, and the Ibo tribe, a people deeply rooted in cultural belief and tradition. As events unfold, Okonkwo’s carefully constructed world and the Ibo way of life collapses. The story of Okonkwo’s fall from a respected and feared leader of the Ibo tribe to an outcast who dies in disgrace dramatizes his inability to evolve beyond his personal beliefs, affecting the entire Ibo tribe beyond measure. The “things” that fall apart in Achebe’s novel are Okonkwo’s life – his ambition, dreams, family unity and material wealth – and the Ibo way of life – their beliefs, culture and values.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe was wrote in 1958 as a response to European Literature viewing Africans as savages who were then enlightened and found peace and safety by the Europeans. Chinua describes the Igbo people and showed the culture and showing the way of life of the Igbo people. This book shows this powerful and eye opening look into the complex society of these tribes and villages and how law and order is run. The major theme that is I will focus is that traditional development of the Igbo tribe alone and with the influence of the Europeans.