Igbo Culture In Things Fall Apart

In “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe the village of Umuofia and the Igbo culture is gradually falling apart. The protagonist Okonkwo is a stubborn man who is concerned about his reputation and masculinity. Although Okonkwo grew up with a father who feared blood and always borrowed money Okonkwo does not resemble him.When his village’s customs and traditions are compromised he resorts to violence. After seeing his people would not stand for their old values the village of Umuofia has fallen apart.

Many characters including Okonkwo are fearful within the novel, Okonkwo fears following his father's footsteps and becoming lazy and shameful. As a result he rarely shows his affection and it often leads him to violence a trait his father never

The kola nut is a big aspect of Igbo tradition “As he broke the kola, Unoka prayed to their ancestors for life and health and for protection against their enemies,” ( Achebe 6). When one man enters another man’s home the kola nut is key for being a welcoming host and for communicating respect. The planting and harvesting of yams is very important the the Igbo lifestyle and “ every year, Unoka said sadly, before I put any crop in the earth, I sacrifice a cock to Ani, the owner of all land,” (Achebe 17). Apart of their culture is to make an animal sacrifice to Ani, and through the sacrifice they are showing respect to Ani who has control over the success of the yams. Marriage in the Igbo culture is very important and can be determined over a bride price, “then more pots came thiry, thiry-five, forty, forty-five. The host nodded in approval and seemed to say now they are behaving like men,” ( Achebe 116). The bride price is usually paid in pots in palm-wine and providing many pots shows one respect towards the bride and her family. Overall, traditions and customs in the Igbo culture greatly contribute to their