Question

In about two hundred words, explain how the author’s use of folktales and symbolism add meaning to the story and help convey the central theme of the novel: the disintegration of the traditional Igbo society as a result of its contact with European practices and beliefs.

Answer 1

As in most novels when authors use elements from folktales and symbolism from modern culture or ancient culture it allows the reader to connect with pieces of their lives and make connections between the book and reality that they are living in. This helps the author convey the central theme of the novel (insert central theme) by encouraging the reader to dive deeper into the meaning and making the theme apparent to the reader. Symbolism is used in many forms of writing and works to provide an underlying meaning for readers to find out allowing the book to be a not only more interesting but be create meaning and further develop the plot and allowing fluidity between the storyline

Answer 2

Answer:

As in most novels when authors use elements from folktales and symbolism from modern culture or ancient culture it allows the reader to connect with pieces of their lives and make connections between the book and reality that they are living in. This helps the author convey the central theme of the novel (insert central theme) by encouraging the reader to dive deeper into the meaning and making the theme apparent to the reader. Symbolism is used in many forms of writing and works to provide an underlying meaning for readers to find out allowing the book to be a not only more interesting but be create meaning and further develop the plot and allowing fluidity between the storylineThe 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.

Explanation: