Things Fall Apart
Peaceful Preservation of Culture
The entire culture of a people is often sacrificed in the interest of forming civilized societies. Highlighted in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the Ibo tribe of lower Nigeria faced obliteration when confronted by British colonists in the late 19th Century. Although these individuals sought to bring peace to the Ibos, their actions led to severe ethnic trauma for the tribe. Achebe avidly emphasizes the functionality of the Ibos during the time they were able to freely practice their cultural traditions. However, as the British began to gain control, devastation became commonplace, and Achebe establishes the point that the destruction of society comes with the loss of a culture. Although the British perceive …show more content…
As a people, they come together through the exchange of words. Their language connects them.
“Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten” is perhaps the most notable cultural reference in Achebe’s acclaimed novel (Things Fall Apart, 7). It proposes that the language of the Umuofian community is as crucial to them as the food they eat. Specifically, palm oil was a staple in the culinary practice of Ibos. It was consumed daily, as it was used in almost every dish.
One particular proverb that is presented to the reader addresses the cultural and social shift upon which the book focuses. “As the elders said, if a child washes his hands he could eat with kings” (TFA, 8) suggests that it has been the long-standing belief that when one is able to create a new foundation for himself—despite his past and despite the wrongdoings of those that came before him—he will be able to …show more content…
For one, Okonkwo seeks to liberate himself of his father’s shortcomings. In his desperation not to be judged as an efulefu1, he overcompensates with violent, commandeering actions. Where Unoka attempted to nurture his family by showing compassion, Okonkwo displayed commandeering actions, allowing him to maintain his role as a prominent ndichie2 who could provide security for his wives and children.
Another way to reflect on this proverb is with the example of Okonkwo’s only son, Nwoye, choosing to convert to Christianity. Although it is against the customs he has been brought up with, Nwoye feels that in order to make up for the “sins” that he and his predecessors have committed, accepting this new religion will secure him a spot in heaven.
On a larger scale, this parallels the Ibos’ general condition of the time. They had been convinced that their ways were wrong, and that they needed to reform their ways to be accepted into global civilization. These interpretations of the proverb are different in content; however, each one acknowledges a complex and respectable
The entire culture of a people is often sacrificed in the interest of forming civilized societies. Highlighted in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the Ibo tribe of lower Nigeria faced obliteration when confronted by British colonists in the late 19th Century. Although these individuals sought to bring peace to the Ibos, their actions led to severe ethnic trauma for the tribe. Achebe avidly emphasizes the functionality of the Ibos during the time they were able to freely practice their cultural traditions. However, as the British began to gain control, devastation became commonplace, and Achebe establishes the point that the destruction of society comes with the loss of a culture. Although the British perceive …show more content…
As a people, they come together through the exchange of words. Their language connects them.
“Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten” is perhaps the most notable cultural reference in Achebe’s acclaimed novel (Things Fall Apart, 7). It proposes that the language of the Umuofian community is as crucial to them as the food they eat. Specifically, palm oil was a staple in the culinary practice of Ibos. It was consumed daily, as it was used in almost every dish.
One particular proverb that is presented to the reader addresses the cultural and social shift upon which the book focuses. “As the elders said, if a child washes his hands he could eat with kings” (TFA, 8) suggests that it has been the long-standing belief that when one is able to create a new foundation for himself—despite his past and despite the wrongdoings of those that came before him—he will be able to …show more content…
For one, Okonkwo seeks to liberate himself of his father’s shortcomings. In his desperation not to be judged as an efulefu1, he overcompensates with violent, commandeering actions. Where Unoka attempted to nurture his family by showing compassion, Okonkwo displayed commandeering actions, allowing him to maintain his role as a prominent ndichie2 who could provide security for his wives and children.
Another way to reflect on this proverb is with the example of Okonkwo’s only son, Nwoye, choosing to convert to Christianity. Although it is against the customs he has been brought up with, Nwoye feels that in order to make up for the “sins” that he and his predecessors have committed, accepting this new religion will secure him a spot in heaven.
On a larger scale, this parallels the Ibos’ general condition of the time. They had been convinced that their ways were wrong, and that they needed to reform their ways to be accepted into global civilization. These interpretations of the proverb are different in content; however, each one acknowledges a complex and respectable