Thanks for the question! Ultimately, the response to this prompt on Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart is a matter of opinion. It is important to consider the arguments on both sides as you weigh your thoughts, so I will share a few points from both a positive and negative perspective.
If you agree with the prompt, you hold Igbo social and cultural norms responsible for the destruction of Igbo society. Although this is a more difficult position to take, you could argue that certain aspects of Igbo culture made it susceptible to being conquered by the British. For example, the large groups of osu, social outcasts viewed as unclean, were easily converted to Christianity because they had few stakes in maintaining the status quo. The polytheistic nature of Igbo religion meant that many villagers were interested in the new Christian God, which facilitated a rapid disintegration of Igbo culture and political autonomy. In this sense, the acceptance of a British presence in Umuofia was akin to allowing a wolf pup into the sheepfold; had the Igbo rejected and fought British influence immediately, a different outcome may have been possible.
If you disagree with the prompt, one argument that you could employ is that “decisions” cannot be made by societies at all. Individual members of a culture, such as Okonkwo, can make mistakes, but it is difficult to hold an entire society and culture accountable for “untimely and unwise” choices.
I would also note that it was the arrival of the British that served as the catalyst leading to the destruction of the Igbo tribes. Although internal divisions among Umuofians certainly enabled the British to exploit Okonkwo’s homeland and surrounding villages, Igbo culture was destroyed by external forces.
I hope this helps you organize some thoughts for the prompt. Good luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment