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:star:Things Fall Apart (Narrative Style -Kiana Marzo ("Okonkwo…
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Things Fall Apart
Terminology
-Brittany Quijas
Answer:
The glossary in the back of the book is helpful in that it is a translation of the African words the reader does not know. It helps us get immersed into African culture and be able to really read the book in depth. There is a sense of appreciation for the language and sets up the stage for the coming events.
"one could say that his
chi
or personal god was good. But the Ibo people have a proverb that when a man says yes his
chi
says yes also" (Achebe, 27)
Explanation:
As the quote states, a chi is a personal god that the African people believe in. It is based on the individual's actions and deeds and follows their example. The book explains it as something that all people possess, thus connecting us to the culture further. Additionally, we are able to gain knowledge about the characters and grow in understanding the premise of the novel itself.
Answer:
The novel creates an atmospheric authenticity through its african terminology because they are unfamiliar words that we are obligated to learn to better understand the text itself and, ultimately, the culture with it. It feels as though the reader is apart of the African culture rather than simply reading about it.
"...another village would ask Unoka's band and their dancing
egwugwu
to come and stay with them..." (Achebe, 4).
Explanation:
The egwugwu are people who dress and act like the past spirits with masks. They are entertainers and are highly regarded for their cultural dances. African dancing is something that easily comes to mind to someone that does not know much about the culture. It is a lively activity and creates an inviting atmosphere for the reader
Narrative Style
-Kiana Marzo
"Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death... his eyes were red and fierce like the eyes of a rat... he did not sleep at night... now and then a cold shiver descended" (63)
The remorse Okonkwo feels when his adopted son contradicts the tough and powerful persona he's shown in the beginning chapters. Okonkwo feels strongly about never showing weakness; however, his guilt eats past this hard exterior.
"[Ikemefuna] grew rapidly like a yam tendril in the rainy season... from the very first he seemed to have kindled a new fire in the younger boy" (52)
Being that yams were a prized staple in Umuofia, comparing Ikemefuna to one not only maintains culture, but it characterizes him as a role model as he seems to have a strong influence on Nwoye. He is shown to have easily adapted to his new lifestyle which might predict how strong of an impact his death will have on his adopted family.
"she had shaken hands, or rather held out her hand to be shaken... Akuke's bride price was finally settled at twenty bags of cowries" (71-73)
The bride pricing ceremony highlights an aspect of Umuofia culture that contributes to the plot. Women in Umuofia were inferior to men and objectified to men shown that men had numerous wives, all in which they abused. Women had no respect and their worth and happiness were completely disregarded.
Imagery
-Savannah Conley
"'There must be a reason for it. A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing'" (20).
Anasi is being compared to an image of a toad. Typically, Toads stay hidden away during the day and come out at night to hunt. The only time you will see a toad in daylight is when it is casing after bugs that follow light. Toads only expose themselves to hunt for the satisfaction of their meal. When Anasi is "exposed," she does so to make a lasting impression. She starts a chain reaction while receiving the horn from her husband. Just like a toad hunts for its food, she creates a persona for others to see.
"As the Ibo say: 'When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk'" (10).
Achebe is illustrating a setting that is a moonlight night. In some traditions like this one, a moon is something that is a sign of good luck.