Essay 4 - Things Fall Apart: Language and Culture
Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart skillfully blends Igbo culture with English, suggesting insights of colonial conflicts and character development through various writing techniques. By incorporating Igbo language, proverbs, and customs into the English narrative, Achebe maintains relevance with a global audience. Moreover, including a tragic hero, Okonkwo, and his rigid pride and unwillingness to adapt, Achebe adds a layer of connection with his readers due to imperfectness and fatal flaws. This connection between the audience and the characters in the story helps Achebe expertly blend the ideas and cultural traditions of Things Fall Apart in English and become socially accepted in today’s society.
In Chapter 10 of Things Fall Apart, Achebe employs syntax to not only emphasize the ceremonial significance of the egwugwu ritual, but also to provide an engaging experience for the public. Achebe says, “‘Umuofia kwenu!’ shouted the leading egwugwu, pushing the air with his raffia arms. The elders of the clan replied, ‘Yaa!’ ‘Umuofia kwenu!’ ‘Yaa!’ ‘Umuofia kwenu!’ ‘Yaa!’” (Achebe, 10). The crowd cheers “Yaa!” in response to the chants parabolically, adding stress on the ritual’s importance. The deliberate arrangement of sentences mirrors the structured nature of the ceremony, allowing readers to understand the process of the ritual and relate to it, perceiving it as their religion. This may not be accepted into Christianity, another religion seen in Things Fall Apart, hinting at colonial conflict because it references a form of spiritual or ancestral reverence, which contradicts the monotheistic beliefs of Christianity. In Christianity, there is typically a focus on worshiping one God and adhering to specific religious practices outlined in the Bible. This traditional Igbo ritual may be viewed as idolatrous to multiple deities and incompatible with Christian teachings, leading to its rejection by Christians, which strengthens the theme of colonial conflict.
In Chapter 24 of Things Fall Apart, Achebe describes the regret felt by Okonkwo through the narrative, and how he strongly dislikes the responsibility of looking after his Nwoye. According to Achebe, “Why, he cried in his heart, should he, Okonkwo, of all people, be cursed with such a son? He saw clearly in it the finger of his personal chi.” (Achebe, 24). Achebe conveys the depth of Okonkwo’s frustration and resentment towards his son. Through Okonkwo's introspective voice, Achebe captures the intensity of his emotions, symbolized by the phrase "he cried in his heart." This internal conflict mirrors the intricate interplay between personal and traditional values ingrained in Igbo society, resonating with readers who often find themselves wrestling with regrets and yielding to impulsive actions. By attributing Nwoye's actions to his "personal chi," Okonkwo realizes the idea of fate and destiny, highlighting his inability to comprehend or accept his son's behavior. Through Okonkwo's perspective, Achebe blends Igbo ideas and language into English, mixing cultural variations while highlighting the theme of colonial conflict.
In Chapter 24, Achebe connects with a global audience through the concept of hierarchy of age. Achebe states, "He took the first of the empty stools and the eight other egwugwu began to sit in order of seniority after him." (Achebe, 24). This moment illustrates the significance of order and respect for tradition within Igbo society. While deeply rooted in the cultural context of Nigeria, the themes of tradition, hierarchy, and the consequences of change in Things Fall Apart resonate with readers globally. Through his masterful storytelling and vivid characterizations, Achebe fosters empathy and emotional connection with the characters and their struggles, transcending cultural boundaries. The exploration of cultural tradition prompts reflection on individual identity and societal norms, inviting readers to consider the broader implications of these themes in their own lives and cultures. Overall, Things Fall Apart serves as a bridge between cultures, encouraging readers to appreciate the richness of Igbo tradition while also engaging with universal themes of human experience.
Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" not only reflects his upbringing in Nigeria during British colonial rule but also resonates with a global audience. The novel portrays the struggles of Okonkwo, an Igbo warrior, amidst colonial intrusion, offering a poignant exploration of cultural identity and societal change. Achebe's incorporation of Igbo language and traditions adds authenticity to the narrative, captivating readers worldwide. Through "Things Fall Apart," Achebe sheds light on universal themes of colonialism and the resilience of indigenous cultures, making the story relevant and impactful beyond its Nigerian setting.
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