1. Polytheism and Religion in Things Fall Apart and Africa Karl Dehmelt AP English 12 6/3/14

2. Polytheism “Belief in multiple deities” (Merriam – Webster) Ancient Greeks Ancient Romans Nordic Religion

3. Igbo Gods Manifestations of Nature The Earth Ancestors become mythic Egwugwu

4. Ancestral spirits Judgment Age Culture and Independence Fill people with fear

5. Evil Spirits “Darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them. Children were warned not to whistle at night for fear of evil spirits.” (Chapter 2) “It is against our custom, It is an abomination for a man to take his own life. It is an offense against the Earth, and a man who commits it will not be buried by his clansmen. His body is evil, and only strangers may touch it.” (Chapter 25) Gods and spirits on almost every page Changelings

6. Contrast to Christianity Igbo Polytheism vs monotheistic Christianity Christianity seen as belligerent Invasive Preservation vs destruction

7. Sins Violations of holy weeks Christian definition of sin Entire community suffers Murder of Ikemefuna? Punishments versus crimes

8. Religion in Nigeria Today Imperialism 50% Muslim 40% Christian 10% traditional 1980s: inter-religious conflicts Mixed religions today

9. Works Cited Cairns, W. De W. "225." The American Mathematical Monthly 22.7 (1915): 240-41. Web. 2 June 2014. "Conceptions Of God In Christianity - Monotheism." Conceptions Of God In Christianity - Monotheism. Web. 02 June 2014. "Egwugwu." ThingsFallApart5 -. Web. 02 June 2014. "Encyclopedia of the Nations." Religions. Web. 01 June 2014. "Notes on Things Fall Apart Themes." BookRags. BookRags. Web. 02 June 2014. "Polytheism." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster. Web. 02 June 2014. Shmoop Editorial Team. "Things Fall Apart Theme of Sin." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 02 June 2014.