Question

Choose examples of Igbo words from the novel and, in at least two hundred words, discuss the impact of those foreign words on tone and content.

Answer 1

Things Fall Apart illustrates many different aspects of Igbo culture. For one, it shows us on may occasions they way they view religion. They are polytheistic, which means they worship many gods. Their gods and goddesses govern different aspects of the world and daily life, such as the earth goddess, Ani.

Different rituals and customs go along with each god. We can see this in the week of peace, which is observed to honor Ani so she will bless the crops. In addition, some of the gods have Oracles. These are basically their mouthpiece on earth. The Oracles will sometimes be possessed by their god, and the god will speak through them and tell the clan what they need to do.

The novel also explores non-religious aspects of Igbo culture. For example, we see and hear about the different ceremonies and rituals that surround courtship and marriage. Men almost always have more than one wife, an important cultural aspect. We also see how the clan conducts aspects of war, and some of how they keep and enforce law and order. Over the course of the novel we get to see a wide array of different aspects of Igbo life and culture. Not sure if this is at least two hundred words but hope it helps.