Achebe's Igbo Society

Paper Summary:

This paper supplies a brief yet concise background of Nigerian born writer Albert Chinualumogu Achebe and the influences that his strict religious training had on his unique writing style. This delves into the Igbo (pronounced Ibo) society, that is at times considered primitive by western occidental standards, as depicted in Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart." This paper explores the plot and characters in the novel as well as Achebe's obvious sexist attitude which is unabashed and without apology. The narrative novel format fulfills Achebe's need for African context which is demonstrated throughout the book. The format of the novel allows the author the freedom to establish his goal of pointing out the detrimental effects of occidental and colonial influences upon the Igbo tribe. Throughout part one of the novel, the author clearly describes the male dominated Igbo society. However, in the latter stages of the narrative, the author allows the seeds of doubt concerning true control to seep into the plot and story line. Achebe sums up the futility of the Igbo society in the face of the dreaded white man and his religions and politics very clearly in chapters 24 and 25.

Table of Contents:
Thesis Statement
Author's Background
The Reasons for the "Narrative Novel," Format
The Results of the Subtle Changes of Parts II and III
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"The narrative novel format of Things Fall Apart fulfills the need for African context and this demonstrates itself throughout the work. The novel format in addition allows the author the freedom to establish his purpose (the detrimental effects of occidental and colonial influences upon the Ibo tribe). This carries out his story line in a logical and chronological manner maintaining his point of view. It has also brought upon him many detractors particularly among feminist, politicians (particularly the despotic ones), and even among other tribesmen from other nations of Sub-Saharan Africa. These facts and others support well the thesis that "primitive," as the ways of his tribesmen were, they form the Ibo point of view far superior to the influences of the occidental and colonial rules being forced upon them."

More papers on Achebe's Igbo Society:

• Analytical Essay # 73761 : "Women in Achebe's World"
• Analytical Essay # 130127 : "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe"
• Analytical Essay # 5317 : "Achebe's "Things Fall Apart"

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