posted on behalf of Carissa Licatovich

By choosing to write the novel in English, Achebe is primarily gearing the work toward an English speaking or European audience. I do not think that by doing so Achebe is doing a disservice to the Igbo culture, rather he is allowing for outsiders to understand the customs of the people. Many of the practices that are often frowned upon or seen as barbaric are explained through the novel. For example, on page 18 the narrator describes the ritual in which Unoka was forced to leave the village to die in the evil forest. Although this is not part of European custom it provides insight into why this was decided on. The reader is able to see that Unoka’s fate was decided upon based upon his ailments and not based on the other people’s attitude toward him. While it is not acceptable in European culture, it is part of a system that does not discriminate based on placement in the society. Through the writing, Achebe is able to illustrate the importance of religion and superstition to the Igbo people. While placing twins into the forest of evil to perish is unfathomable to Western culture, the novel explains why it happened and while it may not prove that the tradition is right, it allows the audience to understand the dilemma that a people in that culture must undergo. They do not take these types of actions for pleasure, but rather to keep peace with a greater power. Including fragments of Ibo language and customs in the novel allow the reader to be absorbed into the culture and view the traditions in a more unbiased way.