“Arrow of God” published in 1964 by Chinua Archebe, one of the most important writer under the colonial rule; born at Ogidiin eastern Nigeria. Ezeulu due to his position as chief priest of six Nigerian villages is seen as a prominent member of the Igbo people; which gives him the option to join the British colonial administration in the capacity of “white man’s chief.” However, he refused of this offer and led to a short term imprisonment, interrupted his chief priest duties. The people of Igbo are affected by this and him not announcing the feast. This essay will highlight Achebe’s intention in writing the novel and explain the relationship between race and imperialism in Africa under British colonial rule.
Firstly, showing love and respect …show more content…
So, Ezeulu sends his son Oduche to study Christianity with the white missionaries which was led by Mr. Good country. “He does this because he hopes “that his son might learn the wisdom of the white man”(Arrow of God p42). Evidence of this is seen when Ezeulu tells his son “I have sent you to be my eyes there”(Arrow of God p189). However, Mr. Good country encourages Oduche to defile the religious beliefs of the Igbo people by killing a python which is one of the sacred symbols of the Igbo people but Oduche hid the python instead. Villagers wanted culprit to be punished after discovering the snake. However, Ezeulu refused to punish his son, resulting in major tension between him and his enemies. The British established and maintained superiority throughout the novel from when they first stepped in without being asked, to end a fight between two villages, and taking it upon themselves to settle a land dispute between the Okeperi and Umuaro villages. Their sense of superiority was further cemented when Ezeulu who “refused to be a white man’s chief”(Arrow of God p182), was thrown in jail. He was also thrown into jailed for refusing Captain Winter bottom’s offer to join the British administration and will take the post of Paramount chief. The Igbo people’s passive acceptance of floggings which was not part of their culture and the jailing of their chief priest, were British demonstrating their
Firstly, showing love and respect …show more content…
So, Ezeulu sends his son Oduche to study Christianity with the white missionaries which was led by Mr. Good country. “He does this because he hopes “that his son might learn the wisdom of the white man”(Arrow of God p42). Evidence of this is seen when Ezeulu tells his son “I have sent you to be my eyes there”(Arrow of God p189). However, Mr. Good country encourages Oduche to defile the religious beliefs of the Igbo people by killing a python which is one of the sacred symbols of the Igbo people but Oduche hid the python instead. Villagers wanted culprit to be punished after discovering the snake. However, Ezeulu refused to punish his son, resulting in major tension between him and his enemies. The British established and maintained superiority throughout the novel from when they first stepped in without being asked, to end a fight between two villages, and taking it upon themselves to settle a land dispute between the Okeperi and Umuaro villages. Their sense of superiority was further cemented when Ezeulu who “refused to be a white man’s chief”(Arrow of God p182), was thrown in jail. He was also thrown into jailed for refusing Captain Winter bottom’s offer to join the British administration and will take the post of Paramount chief. The Igbo people’s passive acceptance of floggings which was not part of their culture and the jailing of their chief priest, were British demonstrating their