In "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, the concept of family plays a central role in both the structure of the novel and the cultural values of the Igbo people. The novel follows the life of Okonkwo, a respected member of the Igbo community, as he navigates the changes brought about by colonialism and the influence of Western culture. Throughout the novel, the importance of family is demonstrated through the relationships and dynamics within Okonkwo's family, as well as the larger extended family system of the Igbo people.
In the Igbo society depicted in the novel, the family is the basic unit of social organization and plays a crucial role in the development and identity of the individual. Okonkwo's father, Unoka, is depicted as a failure in the eyes of the community because he is unable to provide for his family and pay his debts. In contrast, Okonkwo is highly respected and successful in part because of his ability to provide for his family and uphold the expectations of the community.
The Igbo people also place great value on kinship and the extended family system. Each person is a member of a clan, which is made up of several families who are related by blood or marriage. The clan is responsible for providing support and protection to its members, and plays a central role in decision-making and conflict resolution.
However, the arrival of colonialism and the influence of Western culture threatens the traditional family structure and values of the Igbo people. The missionaries introduce new ideas about religion and family that challenge the traditional beliefs and practices of the Igbo. Some members of the community, including Okonkwo's son Nwoye, are drawn to these new ideas and convert to Christianity, causing a rift within their families and communities.
In conclusion, the concept of family plays a central role in "Things Fall Apart" both as a structural element of the novel and as a cultural value of the Igbo people. The novel illustrates the importance of the family in providing support, identity, and a sense of belonging, as well as the ways in which external forces can disrupt and threaten traditional family structures and values.
Marriage and Family Structure
Though this killing was accidental, it could be a form of punishment for his earlier disobedience against his people and gods. The Ibo split themselves into two different groups, those who still believed in their own culture, the others who have converted and started anew. Being the building block of society, family represents the most important social group that can influence individuals' development. As a result, Okonkwo severed all ties with him and the harmony in the family was disrupted. Text Preview Things Fall Apart When Family and Societal Beliefs are Questioned and in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Western history is filled with examples of mainstream white Christian culture expanding to new lands for a multitude of different reasons.
Theme Of Family In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart fits the definition of tragedy because it documents both the personal downfall of Okonkwo and the broader erosion of the Igbo cultural world that Okonkwo wishes to defend. The tribesfolk like Nwoye saw wealth and health and modern ideas. He describes rituals, laws, and religion of these people with great How Did Nwoye Influence The Igbo Religion wrote the book Things Fall Apart in the year 1958, a time when Africa was undergoing drastic changes, and experiencing new things. Encouraged by his father, he was excited to learned English quickly. Life is great in Umoufia, Nigeria.
Things Fall Apart Family Tree
Their culture dictated men as stronger people who did more work, while women were dictated as individuals who were weak and inferior because they did household activities. The break between masculinity and femininity leads to unexpected consequences. The husband would be the first person to be served since he is the head of the family. In western literature, prior to this novel, and British colonization, the Igbo people have been portrayed as savage, primitive people. The author belongs to African culture and for this reason most part of the novel reflects the value of African culture. What you have done will not please the Earth.
What is the role of family and community in Things Fall Apart?
Each family member contributes differently and has separate effects on the outcome of his or her family. In the Ibo culture, the family stucture is very different from what we are used to. His tragic end was led by his character flaws, a betrayal of his clansmen, and the colonization. In different culture the men and women have a variety of roles cut out for them, none are quite the same. How does one succeed in this cultural context? The father is not only the provider for the family, but defender of its honor and teacher of his sons. What are their important relationships? Disobedience causes Okonkwo to become exiled from A Study on the Author, Chinua Achebe A STUDY OF THE AUTHOR, CHINUA ACHEBE Chinua Achebe was born unto a Nigerian parents in Nigeria on November 16, 1930.
