Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe follows the story of Okonkwo and the Ibo tribe in Nigeria as it experiences the beginning of European colonization and the spread of western influence. Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart in response to the savage and animalistic manner in which the Nigerian people are portrayed in western literature. Achebe counters the savage portrayal of Nigerian tribes in literature and reveals the complexity and beauty of the Ibo tribe through their customs and innerworkings.
Achebe thoroughly describes the intricate and complex rituals of the Ibo to signify the dignity of the tribe. The entire village gathers together for wrestling matches in which honor is bestowed if great skill is displayed. Such as in Okonkwo’s case when he was eighteen he honored his village “by throwing Amalinze the Cat.” (3) Similarly to American culture, the Ibo place emphasis on sporting events and praise those with tremendous …show more content…
The Ibo are extremely careful to follow the rules outlined by their religion and the oracle. For example during the Week of Peace, in which the tribe prepares for the Feast of the New Yam and gives thanks to Ani and observes a week of peacefulness. When Okonkwo breaks this peace by giving his second wife a “sound beating” he is punished and must make an offering at the shrine of Ani. (30) In the tribe, honor and hard work is rewarded and valued above all. Although Okonkwo came from poverty and his father was a disgraceful man he is quick to prove himself. He goes to Nwakibie to ask for seeds to start a farm. He portrays himself as a hard worker and says with affirmation “I am not afraid of work. (21) Okonkwo is rewarded with 800 yam seeds to start his farm. Achebe shows the reader that the Ibo people live by a meaningful and serious moral code that they are punished for if broken or rewarder for if they live up to the
Achebe thoroughly describes the intricate and complex rituals of the Ibo to signify the dignity of the tribe. The entire village gathers together for wrestling matches in which honor is bestowed if great skill is displayed. Such as in Okonkwo’s case when he was eighteen he honored his village “by throwing Amalinze the Cat.” (3) Similarly to American culture, the Ibo place emphasis on sporting events and praise those with tremendous …show more content…
The Ibo are extremely careful to follow the rules outlined by their religion and the oracle. For example during the Week of Peace, in which the tribe prepares for the Feast of the New Yam and gives thanks to Ani and observes a week of peacefulness. When Okonkwo breaks this peace by giving his second wife a “sound beating” he is punished and must make an offering at the shrine of Ani. (30) In the tribe, honor and hard work is rewarded and valued above all. Although Okonkwo came from poverty and his father was a disgraceful man he is quick to prove himself. He goes to Nwakibie to ask for seeds to start a farm. He portrays himself as a hard worker and says with affirmation “I am not afraid of work. (21) Okonkwo is rewarded with 800 yam seeds to start his farm. Achebe shows the reader that the Ibo people live by a meaningful and serious moral code that they are punished for if broken or rewarder for if they live up to the