Things Fall Apart
In the last century, the introduction of African literature into Western society has led many scholars to recognize and pay attention to the African culture. One prominent book that is "hailed as portending the arrival of new African literature" ("New Edinburgh Review", 1978, 14) is the novel, Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe. Through this novel, Achebe clearly illustrates the African culture before and after colonialism by British missionaries. He not only shows the Ibo family organization, but also the issues and responsibilities of the Ibo society. Additionally, the changes that the society undergoes with the arrival of Christianity are also depicted. Throughout the novel, Achebe provides detailed descriptions of the structure and roles of the traditional Ibo family. The Ibo family is usually comprised of a man, a few wives, and many children. In order for marriage to occur, not only does the man have to pay the bride-price, but the bride also has to perform many ceremonies, including the confession ceremony. Once married, the young wife is expected to have children so that they can assist jobs such as planting and making food. However, if the wife gives birth to twins, the twins are
However, above all earthly reputation, the most respected beings are the gods. For example, everyone is equal in the eyes of God. Smith to show the negative aspects of the missionaries. In addition, the beating and whipping of the Ibo leaders reveal a negative aspect of the Europeans. The attack of the Ibo animism actually means an attack on the spiritual basis of the native community. Within the Ibo belief, Chukwu is the supreme god and creator. It provides the reader with a picture of the African society and family structure in the point of view of an African, Chinua Achebe. In addition to Chukwu, there are lesser gods and oracles that are part of the religion. As for the children who are allowed to live, they start learning about the Ibo traditions culture through proverbs and parables passed on orally. However, if that does not bring about resolution, it is brought to the "ilo" where the ancestral spirits make the final judgment. Outside the family, the Ibo society is materialistically oriented. Okwonko, who commits suicide, does not die in a rightful manner. According to Achebe, "a person's fortune in life is controlled more or less by his chi" ("Morning Yet on Creation Day", 1975, 68). As the children grow older, the male and female roles start to differentiate and become more defined.
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Acceptance Essays
