Culture and Tradition
‘Things fall Apart,’ written by Chinua Achebe, was published in 1958. It depicts the clash between the European culture and the culture of the Nigerian Igbo community. The writer studied in English and is a graduate of the Government College of Umuahia (1944-1947. Achebe grew up in a multi-cultural society. He interacted with both the European and Igbo cultures. This novel was written to respond to other books such as ‘Hearts of Darkness’ by Joseph Conrad that portrayed Africans as a cultureless society that needed Europeans to save.
Context of the Essay
Achebe portrays the social institution and traditions of the Igbo community keenly before its influence by the Europeans. The novel shows how cultural changes affect various characters in the story. Achebe was very keen not to stereotype any of the cultures. Okonkwo, who is the protagonist in the novel, resists the new religious and political changes because they seem less manly to him. He is also afraid that if he accepts the orders, he might lose his social status. Self-worth among the Igbo is dependent on the standards of the community. The Igbo struggled to decide whether to embrace or resist the ways of the Europeans. Finally, some of the community members were impressed and excited by the techniques and opportunities of the Europeans and collaborated. This essay aims at discussing cultural issues, especially the struggle between change and traditions among the Igbo. Some of the cultural practices include:
Religion. The introduction of Christianity values and systems made the Igbo people feel inferior as compared to their cultural values. In chapter 5, Okonkwo’s first wife, Ekwefi calling, made her response by asking ‘is that me’ instead of ‘yes’ as per the European expectations. The Igbo believe in both evil and good spirits. One had to be cautious not to answer boldly, or they would be inviting the evil spirits. The Europeans were against polygamy, whereas the Igbo men were allowed to marry two or more wives. Okonkwo, for instance, had three wives. The Igbo culture is accommodative and permits people of other communities to worship their gods, i.e., the gods of their fathers. But the European believed that there is no God other than theirs.
Language. The aspect of communication is crucial in the novel. ‘Hearts of Darkness’ depicted Africa as a silent continent, but the Igbo language often used by Chinua Achebe shows otherwise. He uses words like ‘egwugwu,’ ‘agoballa’ and so many others. When the villages of Umuofa made fun of Mr. Brown’s translator due to his slight dialectical difference, it shows that Africa has diverse languages. Communication with the Igbo was not only oral but also the use of instruments such as drums. The drums were said to speak their own language “esoteric language,” which was learned by the villages at a tender age. . The European, however, managed to change the standard language to English, and up to date, it is the national language. The novel covers other factors of the Igbo community that they used to communicate, e.g., rhythms, songs, and dance, which were strange to the colonizers.
Art. Achebe makes use of morals in the novel to show Igbo’s literature and language and illustrate their value to him and the entire Igbo community. According to Achebe, art had a way to influence events and activities. To the Igbo community, proverbs were a source of wisdom and knowledge. They were a way of settling embarrassing disputes amicably. The Igbo performed rituals between hosts and guests. Unoka, rtoOkonokwo’sfathewho was the first character to play the host, gets up to greet Okoye, the guest, and later goes inside to pick kola nuts. They broke the kola nut in honor of the Gods. During bride price negotiations, when the bride and groom met, they used to pass broomsticks back and forth without speaking.
Political Culture. While the rule of the Europeans was dictatorial, with a queen that rules everyone and military, the Igbo people had a democratic political system that believed everyman should suffer in his merit. The warriors defended the community. ‘Ndiche,’ which means clan elders were responsible for making decisions of the Igbos.
Conclusion
Achebe’s novel carefully attentively examines Igbo society. He exposes both the positives and negatives of the culture. He condemns killings and other harmful vices in the community. Achebe’s story is unlike the European novels that painted the African continent as a dark, backward continent without discussing any of the continent’s positive side. The story not only talks about the Igbo community, but it’s also a representation of the entire African continent. It discusses the cultural changes and differences that were between the colonizers and the African communities. Nevertheless, it is evident that some of the practices that Europeans introduced are stuck and are here with us.
Work Cited
Rhoads, Diana Akers. “Culture in Chinua Achebe’s Things fall apart.” African Studies Review 36.2 (1993): 61-72.