they don't even acknowledge that this is a successful community, which works well under its method of religious law. Animism believes in the existence of good and bad souls, and ancient religions often used spells and incantations to ward off evil spirits and invite the company of good ones. The reason for the great fragmentation of the Igbo people came about because they were always a fragmented group spread out into dozens of different Igbo clans (Miers, 437), their strong belief that the gods would intervene in the blasphemous was of the missionaries, and the missionaries use of medicine to keep the destructive power of the Ibgo gods at bay, making those very gods they relied on so heavily seem powerless against the albinos., Does the white man understand our custom about land? How can he when he does not even speak out tongue? Examples of Animism can be seen in forms of Shinto, Hinduism, Buddhism, pantheism, Paganism, and Neopaganism. A major part of their religions is the belief in one God that created everything. Analyzes how achebe's book, "things fall apart", depicts the life of a nigerian man named okowkwo. Analyzes how okonkwo's reaction included the destruction of the christian church, before he slaughtered a missionary or called for the other clans to wage war. Explains that animism is customary to the ibo and is to be followed by all members of the clan. The Igbos were very generous when the missionaries asked for a piece of land to build their church. It is used widely in schools across the world. Describes okonkwo as an important man who has risen from nothing to a man of great wealth and social status. In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe brings to light the differences and similarities of Christianity and Animism in order to demonstrate the effects of religion upon ones society, which is exemplified by Okonkwo and his people. Sometimes the narratorseems to be intimately in the know and involved with the actions and the customs of the people, other times he seems like a detached observer. With the coming of the Whiteman with his process and sense of justice that took no cognizance of the customs of the people, the people of Umuofia essentially faced the erosion of their traditions and values. These values cause for Okonkwo to become angry at Christian ideas and beliefs because they represent love and compassion, all of which are hated by Okonkwo. Analyzes how okonkwo was a strict traditionalist, valuing strength and despising anything he proclaimed as "soft". "When a man says yes his chi says yes also" (19). Achebe's novel was a game changer. Achebe sets up a powerful moment when Ikemefuna breaks into a childhood song and walks in sync with the rhythm, deciding that if the song ends on his right leg, it will mean his mother was still alive, but that if it ends on his left, his mother would be dead or ill. Luckily, FreeBookSummary offers study guides on over 1000 top books from students curricula! In Christianity it is a sin to kill someone, even if that person is an enemy of yours. Mr. Smiths successor, Mr. Brown, also demonstrated a difference in that the God of Christians is to be proclaimed as a loving god who is to be feared only when His will is not done. Achebe's decision to use a third-person narrator instead of writing the book . Okonkwo fights the issue of religion with every last bone in him. This act seems to go unnoticed by the Ibo and Okonkwo. They relied heavily on their farming and looked upon the strongest farmers as those blessed by the gods and carrying a good chi (Achebe, 17). Aru oyim de de de dei! Animism means all things, whether animate or inanimate, contain . Okonkwos violent reaction included the hatred of Christians, the new religion had challenged everything Okonkwo had believed in. Analyzes how achebe's flow of ideas is easy and comprehensible. The villagers have their religion defied, Okonkwo reaches his breaking point and Nwoye finally finds what he believes in. Christianity vs. Animism in Achebe's Things Fall Apart A major aspect of one's society is religion. the priestess of agbala caries ezinma to her cave. Just as the missionaries learned from the Ibo, the Ibo people had been educated as well. By telling the story of Okonkwo's life, Chinua Achebe, creates a dynamic and morally ambiguous protagonist while addressing the moral issue of Christian evangelism in Africa. the protagonist, okonkwo, is wealthy but withdrawn from his wives and children. By the late 1800s however, the Igbo people came into contact with British colonialism and soon their culture and beliefs began to spread thinly among the few who remained true to their gods and superstitions. He displays it through the conversation Mr. Brown has with Akuma, in which he learned a good deal about the religion of the clan and made the conclusion that attack would not succeed (Achebe 181). That this interpretation is wrong and misleading in the consequences it produces is argued here., CHAPTER ONE PEGS TO HANG ON "Where the word of a king is, there is power." It is through your support of visiting Book Analysis that we can support charities, such as Teenage Cancer Trust. 61) Okonkwo ends up feeling guilty about the murder of Ikemefuna not because he saw murder as wrong, but because he had an emotional connection with him. Things Fall Apart sees the construction of Igbo society in a pristine and undisturbed form, including its class system. Chinua Achebe sought to rediscover pride and dignity among Africans by rehabilitating their image damaged by the humiliating effect of racist portrayals. For example, the goddess Ani is one of the most powerful and important deities within the Umuofia religious system. Men and women had strictly different roles. Civilization In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, The Effects Of Christianity In Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe, Influence Of The Ibo Culture In Achebe's Things Fall Apart, Tragedy in Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart, The Ibo Culture In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, Religion, Culture, And Conflict In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart - The Clan's Beliefs and Christian Beliefs, Converting the Umuofia People to Christianity in Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe, Change And Tradition In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. I live in Thailand and one thing I see everywhere are spirit houses - these are little houses (and some are not so little - they can be quite grand and elaborate) that houses the spirit of the land . The poor and otherwise worthless gained a new sense of purpose and importance. Analyzes how okonkwo is determined to prove he is unshakeable. In Chinua Achebes novel, Things Fall Apart, he portrays a cultural and religious struggle between the native Igbo people and the Christians. Despite the differences, Mr. Brown chooses to accept the culture, even though he may not agree with it. Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart exemplifies two sharply contrasting sides of the impact that religion can have on a society, being its ability to unify and segregate the people of a community. Analyzes how achebe introduces the white christians who live by the thought that we are all related as sons of god. The differences and similarities between Animism and Christianity do not become evident until the arrival of the white men and the missionaries. Animism is not one religion; rather, it is a cultural-specific worldview that changes per the cultures it is practiced in. The Europeans had promoted soft ideas. She remembers the time when she had first married a man named Anene because Okonkwo was too poor to marry at that time. Going against the missionaries means going against your own as well. Animists, specifically the Ibo, are to dedicate themselves to their chi or personal god, make sacrifices to their gods, and hope that their gods are not angry with them. Both the tribe and the Missionaries have different perceptions on who this one true god is. Things Fall Apart is divided into three parts, with the first part being much longer and slower-paced than the remaining two parts. Evil Forest also reminds the husband that fighting with a woman is not brave. he fears that if his family converts then there won't be anyone to remember him when he dies. Corrections? he is battling between his emotions and his desire to be unlike his father. It also contains the belief that spirits are present in the natural environment. This religion was Christianity. The reasoning behind Okonkwos actions is out of fear that he may be seen as weak amongst his fellow clansmen. Analyzes how the church disproves many of the igbo superstitions, which encourages them to break the traditions that they had followed for many years. Without it, the way people hold themselves accountable would be nonexistent. These men or spirits are seen throughout various rituals in the book, but their true effect upon the Ibo is not fully seen until a court proceeding at which the egwugwu decide a mans punishment for breaking a law (87 94). Men of Umuofia destroy the church building in retaliation after Enoch commits a sacrilege. Mr. Brown, on the other hand, makes an effort to understand the universal themes and similarities that run through each of their religions, like the importance of an absolute deity. It follows the events leading up to his banishment from the community for accidentally killing a clansman, through the seven years of his exile, to his return. Analyzes how the missionaries aren't touched once by ibo deities, even though their chapel was built right in the forbidden forest. Things Fall Apart is set in 1890, during the early days of colonialism in Nigeria. The beliefs are not similar in that they believe in the same God, but rather they believe in one supreme god who shares power with no one else. Three main concepts of causality, as displayed by children in the preoperational stage, include animism, artificialism, and transductive reasoning. This permanently separates them in many ways from the freeborn, and they are thus seen as an inferior stock. Based on the end of Achebes novel, this cultural shift is a bad thing, for hostilities and prejudices still maintain a prescence in Umuofia, further proving that when a culture resists change, they are doomed to be overtaken. The community of Umuofia had ruled itself and observed its customs, and preserved its institutions for years. at the end of the book okonkwo instead of fighting and knowing he will be unsuccessful he decides to kill himself because no matter how strong he is he knows that his fate was either kill himself or have all of his hard work to be. In addition, many moral standards that exist today are values taken directly from religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This represents the Igbo rhetorical technique of initially skirting around a subject before directly addressing it. Analyzes okonkwo's view that religion is a waste of the hard-earned position that the ibo culture has garnered in the hearts of his people. Another battle has already begun between Christianity and Islam and the religions spiritual significance has begun to be overrun by political agendas that will eventually lead to the appeasement of one culture to the other. Achebe utilizes all these to great effect through the interlaying of these cultural vestiges and artifacts within the narrative to provide a rich texture and foundation. People in the society simply do the justice of the earth goddess, and they were merely her messengers (125). A couple of them, are authors, which use a made up situation, to express their opinions on the matter of religions, and the changes they have had trough time. Section-I talks about Understanding Conflict and Culture. When the Christians become involved in the Igbo community things change. They are one of Africa's stateless peoples, having no chiefs or kings. Yam is the primary crop in Umuofia society. This impact is outlined in a very simple manner, but within this simplicity, there is a rich and inventive use of language. The elders reason for not welcoming the missionary is that if their sons were to convert to Christianity then there will be no one, Despite the arrogant attitude aimed at them, the Igbo natives welcomed the British into their village without suspecting their true intentions. Literary works about this period often painted stereotypical portraits of native Africans as . Explains the foundation of rule by the elders, highly regarded clansmen, and the priestess enforced customary law. Rather, there is a wide range of personality types, ranging from the extremely chauvinistic and aggressive Okonkwo to the sentimental and gentle Unoka and Nwoye. At first look, it may seem that Okowkwos story is the main theme of the book, but upon further examination it is easy to see that the plight of his indigenous Igbo people are the main theme representing what really fell apart. Understanding the dissimilarity between the Igbo religion and Christianity allows the reader to fully apprehend the reason for the eradication of the Igbo culture. Meanwhile, the stock of those who hold uncompromisingly to traditional Umuofia values continues to fall. In the trial of Uzowulu versus his wife's family, both sides present their cases to the ruling members of society, the egwugwu. Christianity vs. Animism in Achebe's Things Fall Apart Three stories, which are told in different countries with different beliefs, all achieve the same result, though the setting and means by which they accomplish it is unique for each story., The African, particularly the Yoruba, about whom Idowu, Mbiti and others have written, unarguably, possess a conception of Supreme Deity. The white man is very clever. This is noticed in the lives of the Ibo, the missionaries, and Okonkwo himself. Disputes were no longer solved the old way, under the overarching goal of maintaining communal cohesion over everything else. Analyzes how achebe outlines the complexity of the ibo culture to show that unreliable communication leads to conflict and tension between two groups. Eventually Christianity will prevail, but the significance of the Ibo society and the Animist religion will continue to carry on in memory. In my religion Chukwu is a loving Father and need not be feared by those who do His will (180 181). Analyzes how the outcasts of the igbo people welcome the missionaries and their christian beliefs. Achebe can induce great emotions through seemingly innocuous actions. his violent temper was triggered in response to actions that he deemed to be weak. he relays his ideas to the reader through simple storytelling. europeans introduced their religion, christianity, culture, and government, while denouncing the traditional igbo ideas. A major aspect of ones society is religion. Taking a man's life in order to not look weak is not the true meaning of sacrifice, its giving apart of you to the world around you for a benefit . Look at our fear of black cats, Friday the 13th, and breaking mirrors, to name a few! The sprinkling of Igbo proverbs all around the work helps to enrich the narrative and dialogues as well as accord them a measure of authenticity. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). On the contrary, Animism is customary to the Ibo and is to be followed by all members of the clan. But, the few who would not budge from their positions were cut down with great brutality and efficiency, marking the burial of a once proud culture. The British came with a fundamentally different value system, power structure, and religion. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. he was exiled to mbanta and his family were taken in by uchendu. She has a huge influence in day-to-day life as the goddess of fertility and has an entire week devoted to honoring her, within which feminine attributes like peace and tolerance are encouraged. Okonkwo considers yams to be the only crop worth personally growing, leaving the other crops for his wives and children. Animism is a religious and ontological perspective common to many indigenous cultures across the globe. In contrast, the action of not murdering is seen in Christianity as a sign of strength and represents ones power to control himself when angry. Achebe creates a fairly sophisticated and self-sufficient society with organized institutions. Analyzes the struggle between change and tradition in chinua achebe's things fall apart. Explains that nwoye sees the missionaries as more compassionate, so he finds understanding them less difficult. Within the inclusive tenet of Christianity, the Osu were judged to be equal to all other humans in Christ. 25 Sept. 2012. Analyzes how many quotes throughout the book tell us about okonkwo's need for success. he associates masculinity with aggression and feels that anger is the only emotion that he should display. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe offers a detailed contrast between a society prior to the direct influence of colonial rule and a society coming to terms with a new reality of colonial leaders. Okonkwos attachment to the Igbo culture and tradition, and his own extreme emphasis on manliness, is the cause of his fall from grace and eventual death. The Ibo people always look back to their culture for guidance and believe in it regardless of outside threats. Home Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart Themes and Analysis. Things Fall Apart helped create the Nigerian literary renaissance of the 1960s. his sense of self-worth is dependent upon the traditional standards by which society judges him. Okonkwo was a strict traditionalist, valuing strength and despising anything he proclaimed as soft. In Animism, specifically the Ibo, there is the Oracle. Warriors interpretation of the biblical text offers a unique comparison between the Exodus stories and European conquest in the Americas; his interpretation and comparison spark reactions amongst his readers, particularly Christians., Things Fall Apart: Christianity vs. Animism. In 'Things Fall Apart,' Achebe details Western colonialists' impact on African societies.This impact is outlined in a very simple manner, but within this simplicity, there is a rich and inventive use of language. In this essay I will give a biographical account of Okonwo, which will serve to help understand that social, political, and economic institutions of the Igbos. The moment the British came to their doorstep, the people of Umuofia were fated to lose their independence and way of life. All these properly secure the novels ties to Igbo culture and leave no one in doubt as to its authenticity and status as a legitimate representation of Igbo sensibilities. sin, gender inequality and communication are auxiliary points. For example, after retiring to the jury room for deliberation with the other eight egwugwu, the foreman/judge returns a verdict that must be carried out. Umuofias society is highly patriarchal, and Okonkwos behaviors and motivations are, in part, informed by his societys gender roles and expectations. Animism is the belief that there is no separation between the spiritual and physical world. Within a few weeks of his arrival in Umuofia Mr. Smith suspended a young woman from the church for pouring new wine into old bottles. The sentences are simple enough, and the words are uncomplicated, save for a couple of Igbo words that warrant translations. Filled the air as the spirits of the ancestors, just emerged from the earth, greeted themselves in their esoteric language (88). As events unfold, Okonkwo's carefully constructed world and the Ibo way of life collapses. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Copyright 2000-2023. Section-II talks about Cultural Diversity and Conflict Resolution and section-III talks about the Implication for the Gospel message., The first group of Igbo society which needs to be discussed are the ones who were very much opposed to the intrusion of Christian missionaries into their lives. This fear is observed when Okonkwo beats his wife during the Week of Peace, and he is commanded to make a sacrifice to Ani in order to satisfy the god (29 31). They wondered if the Christians would die from the evil spirits within that forest, but after a certain time, they lived without any assault. 123Helpme.com. Yet, in parts two and three of the book, the introduction of another religion, Christianity, to the tribe of Umuofia divides the Ibo people and creates immense controversy. Analyzes how okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand, and his wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper. Explains that the ibo worship various gods, such as the oracle of the hills, the sacred python, and the chi. In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe brings to light the differences and similarities of Christianity and Animism in order to demonstrate the effects of religion upon ones society, which is exemplified by Okonkwo and his people. Analyzes how achebe illustrates the complexity of the ibo culture through their complex language. Analyzes how okonkwo's surrogate son ikemefuna exemplifies all that he wants his own son to be like and almost loves him. Analyzes how modern day nigeria is an example of how change benefits society. Introduces chinua achebe's things fall apart, a narrative story that follows the life of an african man called okonkwo. In Christianity, one mans sin does provoke God to punishing others but rather a person is punished on an individual basis. The first part employs a circumlocutory narrative technique that shifts between the present and the past. However, most animist cultures commonly believe in the spirit world. middle of paper Our Lord used the whip only once in His life to drive the crowd away from His church. achebe focuses on okonkwo's son to illustrate this paradigm shift. The novel chronicles the life of Okonkwo, the leader of an Igbo community, from the events leading up to his banishment from the community for accidentally killing a clansman, through the seven years of his exile, to his return, and it addresses a particular problem of emergent Africathe intrusion in the 1890s of white missionaries and colonial government into tribal Igbo society. The religions have more differences then similarities and because of this, a war was initiated to dispute who had the better culture. Within a few weeks of his arrival in Umuofia Mr. Smith suspended a young woman from the church for pouring new wine into old bottles. Analyzes how the success of missionaries in acquiring converts ignited the skirmish for power between the existing structure of rule and the new, monotheistic order. This is illustrated on pages 126-129, in the mention of `the one true god.' Narrates how okonkwo and his family returned to umuofia after seven years. It made the tribe realize that the gods were still with them, causing them to repeal the new policy of ostracism towards the converts. Entire Document, The Fear-Driven Behavior of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart Book Review, Things Fall Apart Post Colonial Analysis of Christianity and Igbo Tradition, Things Fall Apart: A Tragic Story about an Ambitious Book Review, Things Fall Apart Western Ideas vs. Natives, Nigerian Colonialism in Things Fall Apart. Analyzes how okonkwo's gun explodes during ezeudus funeral, killing one of his sons. Note that one man among the spectators asks why such a "trifle [as wife beating] should come before the egwugwu.". For example, a real-life tragedy at the community of Ahiara serves as the historical model for the massacre of the village of Abame in Chapter 15 of Things Fall Apart. They are then required to pay a penance in order repent and they are to then ask for forgiveness. Okonkwo measures his success according to the fulfillment of his societys ideal of masculinity. (184 185) Okonkwo is just another device used by Achebe in Things Fall Apart to compare and contrast the religions of Christianity and Animism. Okonkwo is a self-made man who values culture, tradition, and, above all else, masculinity. Okonkwo may not be considered by western culture to be a good person, but viewing his life in its entirety, it is almost impossible for one to attach a completely negative label to him. 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. Analyzes how okonkwo shows the differences between the religions in his actions. Mr. . His replacement, Mr. Smith, was much more aggressive in his tactics. It provides us with a powerful fable about the immemorial conflict between the individual society. both the tribe and the missionaries have different perceptions on who the one true god is. Study Questions on Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart. This is noticed in the lives of the Ibo, the missionaries, and Okonkwo himself. The novel illustrates Okonkwo?s struggles, triumphs, and his eventual downfall, all of which basically coincide with the Igbo?s society?s struggle with the Christian religion and British government. Okonkwo violently questions his son, Nwoye, who Okonkwo saw among the Christians. In taking his own life, he reasserted Ibo beliefs, one of the tribesman even saying, It is against our custom, (Achebe 178) when asked by the District Commissioner why the tribe could not take Okonkwo down from the tree. The priests oppose the Christian missionaries for an obvious reason, because their religious beliefs are in stark contradiction to the beliefs espoused by the priests and believed by the Igbo people. Furthermore, even though there are major similarities in the religion of the Ibo and Christianity, the various more minor, Assimeng, M. (1989), Religion and Social Change in West Africa: An Introduction to the Sociology of religion, Accra: Ghana UniversityPress, 1989., The Igbo people were a highly religious and close knitted community, at least when it came to their own particular clans and tribes. An example of this is seen in the murder of Ikemefuna. . Through the life and death of Okonkwo, the novel presents how the experience of the Igbo and their interaction with the state witnessed unquestionable change. Accessed 1 May 2023. Analyzes how christianity catches the eye of many igbo people, later converting them into christians. the ibo are rooted in traditions passed down by their ancestors. Practioners of the faith are converting in droves to Christianity, and the only way for the Ibo to compete is to change. As a result, many of these half-heartedly committed members are held unaccountable for their actions and rely on precedents set by their ancestors and elders, unlike Christians whose laws are explained in the bible.