Characteristics In Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe

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Chinua Achebe was a pioneer in African Literature. He saw a need to tell the stories of the Igbo people because the average European was very ignorant in the the subject of true African culture. In an article published in The Paris Review, Achebe says ¨ I grew older and began to read about adventures in which I didn’t know that I was supposed to be on the side of those savages who were encountered by the good white man. I instinctively took sides with the white people....They were intelligent. The others were not . . . they were stupid and ugly” (Brooks). Achebe grew up as a Christian but wasn't educated in his own heritage. He wanted to find out, and tell others. One of the more popular novels by Achebe, Things Fall Apart tells the story
For example, Okonkwo is considered successful among his peers because he has two barns full of yams, which “ stood for manliness... For three or four moons it determines hard work and constant attention” (Achebe 21). This crop was was the identity of manhood, because it was tremendously difficult to pull off a successful harvest season. According to an article published by BBC news, Yams are so popular because they are diverse. There are many different ways yams can be prepared. The yam was such an important symbol that when Okonkwo is banished from Umuofia Okonkwo’s closest friend, Obierika “brought with him two young men, each of them carrying a heavy bag on his head...it was clear that the bags were full of cowereis”(83). Okonkwo is fortunate to have a friend who keeps up his farm for him just so Okonkwo wouldn’t lose his respect among the tribe. Obierika not only worked the land, he made the trip over to see Okonkwo and give him money from the crops to help him support his family. His efforts show the connection between harvesting yams and a man’s place in
Kola were customly offered to guest entering their homes. To many Igbo the absence of the kola nut means that there can not be a quality visit. In other words no kola no party. According to the article Igbo food culture, “The Igbo culture revolves almost entirely are food production and consumption...Offering drinks, food, and meat are not regarded nearly as important as the offering of the kola-nut”. The Igbo eat kola nuts on almost every occasion. Okoye says “He who brings Kola brings life”(4). These nuts are very important and are taken very seriously. While visiting a fellow Igbos house Unoka “accepted the honor of breaking the kola”(4). This shows that partaking in the nuts are not something to be taken lightly. Any time the Igbo wanted to talk with their ancestors they must have Kola nuts to

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