For the most part, “Things Fall Apart” retains a setup similar to most European literature with those who understand English and literary nuances. Therefore, this type of audience will have little difficulty following Achebe's novel. Yet, the Afro part of this Afro-European fiction comes from the infusion of Igbo vocabulary, folktales, and song/poetry. Most of which are glossed in the back, shown as a translation through italics, or explained by the text. Achebe seems to draw connections between the Igbo and Europe, seen through Unoka's appreciation of art. Whereas, the warrior patriarchal society as antiquated and declining among the villages.
What I thought was interesting during Wednesday’s class was how Achebe presents alternatives to Igbo culture. There are obvious disagreements among villages as well as members, such as the scene of Ikemefuna’s murder. Achebe shows how the boy's death is debated between the Igbo on whether it is a justifiable act. Further into the novel the introduction of Christianity to the Igbo people offers an alternative solution to the disintegrating values among the villagers.
Whether or not Christianity will be commonly accepted is one thing, but the fact that Achebe introduces it as a solution in the first place shows how Ngugi could label “Things Fall Apart” as appealing mostly to European ideals.
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