Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe was born on November 15, 1930, in Ogidi in Eastern Nigeria.

His family belonged to the Igbo tribe, and he was the fifth of six children.

His parents converted to Christianity and Achebe was brought up as a Christian, but he remained curious about the more traditional Nigerian faiths.

He was educated at a government college in Umuahia, Nigeria, and graduated from the University College at Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1954.

Early years:

Achebe was unhappy with books about Africa written by British authors such as Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) and John Buchan (1875–1940).

He felt Africans were portrayed in an inaccurate and insulting manner.

He composed his first novel, Things Fall Apart (1959), the story of a traditional warrior hero who is unable to adapt to changing conditions in the early days of British rule.

Dissatisfaction with western writers;

First book critically acclaimed.

The Igbo people

Pre-colonial Igbo political organization was based on communities, devoidKings or governing chiefs. Although title holders were respected because of their accomplishments, they were never revered as Kings. Their responsibility in society was to perform Special functions given to them by their Assemblies, not to make laws.

Without a judicial authority the Igbo settled matters of law by taking an oath to a god. If the accused died within a certain amount of time, he was guilty.

The Igbo are a religious people who believe in a benevolent creator usually known as Chukwu.

The Igbo believe in the concept of Ofo and Ogu, which is a governing law of retributive justice. So that if you are innocent you will be protected.In addition each person is considered to have their own personal god or Chi which is credited for both good and bad luck.

There is a strong belief that the spirits of one’s ancestors keep a constant watch over the living, and must be placated through prayer

Some Igbo still practice traditional Igbo religion. In addition, although the Igbo were mostly Christianized beginning in the late 1800’s, many indigenous belief systems remain in use and/or have been incorporated into Christian worship.

• My Grandmother always threw salt over her shoulder for luck.

• Take a minute to note down a superstition within your own family that does not make logical sense.

Please keep this in mind when you are reading about the unfamiliar beliefs and customs of the Igbo people.

Eurocentrism: centered on Europe or the Europeans; especially : reflecting a tendency to interpret the world in terms of western and especially European or Anglo-American values and experiences

The novel is set during the late 1800s/early 1900s in a small village,Umuofia, in Southeastern. Umuofia is an Igbo village with very well defined traditions. It is a village that is respected by those around it as being powerful and rich.

Each person has a hut or obi that is located in the center of a compound. Each of the wives has a separate obi with a shed for goats and an attached chicken coop. The main occupation of the men is sowing and growing yams since yams are considered the most important crop. The women grew less significant crops like coco-yams, beans and cassava.

Okonkwo The hardy and ambitious leader of the Igbo community. He is a farmer as well as a wrestler, who has earned fame and brought honor to his village by overthrowing Amalinze in a wrestling contest. Still only in his thirties, he has three wives and several children who all live in their own homes in his village compound. Okonkwo has resolved to erase the stigma left on him by his father’s laziness and is very successful growing yams. He has very strong economic and political ties to the village and is treated with admiration and respect. Okonkwo is a man of action.

Obierika Okonkwo’s close friend, he helps him with the crops during his period of exile, and keeps him informed of the radical changes taking place in the village. He is a thoughtful man, who questions the traditions of society. He is also Maduka and Ekuke’s father.

Ekwefi Okonkwo’s second wife, she is the mother of Ezinma, her only living child, whom she will do anything for even if that means defying tradition

Ezinma: Ekwefi and Okonkwo’s daughter, she is born after many miscarriages and is loved and pampered by her mother. She has a special relationship with Chielo, the woman who acts as the voice of Agbala, the Oracle. Okonkwo is fond of her and often wishes that ‘she were a boy.’

Nwoye Okonkwo’s son from his first wife. He is a sensitive young man who, much to his father’s dismay, joins the Christian missionaries.

Ikemefuna A boy who is bought as hostage from Mbaino, and who lives with Okonkwo for three years. He is a clever and resourceful young man yet comes to an unfortunate end.

Chielo The priestess of Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and Caves, who carries Ezinma on her back to the caves, saying that Agbala wants to see her.

Uchendu Okonkwo’s maternal uncle with whom he spends seven years of his exile, along with his family.

Mr. Brown The Christian missionary who first introduces the tenets of Christianity to the people to take them away from their superstitious and age-old customs. He is a kind and understanding man who is accommodating towards the Igbo.

Reverend James Smith Mr Brown’s successor, he openly condemns Mr. Brown’s policy of compromise and accommodation and attempts to efface all aspects of Igbo culture.