Thing Fall Apart IOP BY CAMERON HINTON 2-2

Thesis  In his novel, Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe uses diction, foreshadowing, symbols, and a foil to present the Ibo culture in a positive light of respecting the higher society and show the theme that Societies that lose sight of their cultural traditions may collapse due to the degradation of tradition.

The question #8  Why doesn’t Obierka tap his own palm trees? What does this show about structure in Ibo society?

The short answer  Obierka is not able to tap his own palm trees due to the clan policy that people with title are not allowed to tap palm trees by climbing them. This reveals the high respect that the society has for the office that the upper members of society are in.  “"Sometimes I wish I had not taken the ozo title," said Obierika. "It wounds my heart to see these young men killing palm trees in the name of tapping."  "It is so indeed," Okonkwo agreed. "But the law of the land must be obeyed… In many other clans a man of title is not forbidden to climb the palm tree. Here we say he cannot climb the tall tree but he can tap the short ones standing on the ground. “( Paragraph 8)

Plot  This moment is happening at Obierka’s house just after Okonkwo killed Ikemefuna. Just before that exchange, Okonkwo was revealed to still hold thoughts about Ikemefuna and wanted to take his mind off the matter. This event points out how weak the tradition s of other clans are, comparatively and may show how Okonkwo views the other clans as womanish later in the book.

Plot connections  Connects to other times when Okonkwo is disgusted with the practices of people within his culture.  “What is it that has happened to our people? Why have they lost the power to fight?”- Okonkwo(pg.175)  “Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act as one.”- Okonkwo(pg. 176)

Character  This discussion is happening between Obierka and Okonkwo.  The characters both agree that they are against the weak way they honor their titles in the other clan.  This reveals how much respect these characters hold for clan traditions, especially Okonkwo.  Obierka, on the other hand,slightly criticizes this clan practice.  "They have indeed soiled the name of ozo," said Okonkwo

Diction  "I think it is good that our clan holds the ozo title in high esteem," said Okonkwo.(pg. 70/71)  Achebe chose this phrase to reflect how Okonkwo’s clan held the titles of the clan.  To hold in high esteem means to respect or venerate something.  Achebe presents this as the preferred way to value one’s own culture.

Literary Devices-symbol of palm wine  “That wine is the work of a good tapper,” said Okonkwo.( pg.72)  Achebe uses the symbol of palm wine to elevate the status of the men who hold titles in the society.  In the story, Palm wine is used in times of celebration and for ceremonies and gatherings of the Ibo peoples.  Wine is given preference to the titled men as they are allowed to drink it first.  This practice refutes titled men from retrieving the wine used in gatherings and celebrations.  This means that the titled men aren’t allowed to violate the tradition of the palm wine by collecting it.

Literary Device- Foreshadowing  “They have indeed soiled the name of ozo,” said Okonkwo. (pg.70)  In their discussion about practices in other clans. These clans had let their traditions rot until the ozo title had no value anymore.  Achebe uses this to foreshadow the rapid cultural decay that happened with the arrival of the Christians.  Similarly to the decay of the ozo title, the core clan principles are devalued and forgotten by many as they converted.  This reveals how societies and their cultures collapse.

Literary device-Foil  Achebe presents two friends with almost entirely opposite ways of thinking.  Obierka- peaceful, more understanding  Okonkwo- quick to violence, rigid adherence to traditional values  Reveals motif of tradition vs. progress.  “Sometimes I wish I had not taken the ozo title” said Obierka” (pg. 69)

Theme  Societies that lose sight of their cultural traditions may collapse due to the degradation of tradition.

Authors Purpose  Presented an even playing field for stories  Also, showed how the Ibo culture collapsed upon the arrival of the Christians  His own father was one that converted.  Wanted to show the value of tradition and culture that the Ibo people have and provides a case to retain this cultural respect