Question

In about two hundred words, describe how Achebe uses imagery to convey Igbo culture before the arrival of the colonialists.

Answer 1

The customs, practices and traditions of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria are represented in this story.  Chinua Achebe describes Igbo culture during the year 1900 because in "Things Fall Apart", the very moment of colonization is described. The arrival of administratives and missionaries from Britain. In chapter five of "Things Fall Apart" is a chapter with a very violent nature.

The character Okonkwo continues to build up repressed emotions and we get to see him beating his spouse. The novel is written using a combination of both, narratives and descriptive passages. It shows Okonkwo's fondness of Ezinma who seems no the be afraid of him which allows them to engage into conversations, being this conversations a good examplo to get to know the Igbo culture. Okonkwo is tragic hero because his tragedies are an example of the mixture between Eastern and Western culture.

In general reading this story is a good way to explore and understand a little bit more about the humiliation and slave mentality that was introduced to african people during colonization. Religion practices are mentioned by the narrative of this novel. A ritual of respect is explained, as the Kola nut the ritual where  the Kola represents life, they pray for health and it also symbolizes friendship, hospitality, and respect.