Igbo Society in Things Fall Apart Essay Example

In his book Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe explores the daily lives of characters in Igbo society, especially a man called Okonkwo. His life is filled with religion, celebrations of love and death, and an intricate court system. These demonstrate that Igbo culture is structured and sophisticated, as opposed to uncivilized and barbaric, as imperialists have often led us to believe.

Religion plays an important part in Igbo society. Throughout the book, many gods are mentioned. A great man of the village called Akunna and a Christian missionary called Mr. Brown discuss the religion that pervades Umuofia. Akunna speaks of their gods. “The tree from which it came was made by Chuwuku, as indeed all minor gods were.” (Achebe 179). Many of the Igbo traditions are rooted in religion, as there are many gods for many different things. There are the chi, or personal gods, Agbala, Ani, and many more. The Igbo also celebrate the egwugwu. The egwugwu are not gods, but the spirits of the ancestors and therefore can be interpreted as religious figures. Many places that we perceive to be “civilized”  today have religion(s) that are organized, with a sort of structure, a set of rules, and generally brings people together. Igbo religion does not only focus on the spiritual aspects, but it also plays a part in the courts, as will be explained later in this essay.

Early one morning, the ekwe begins to beat. The sound of the ekwe indicates to the people of Umuofia that someone has died. Umuofia waits breathlessly to hear the name of the man that has passed. The narrator explains the process of the announcement; “It began by naming the clan… then it went nearer and names the village… at last the man was named.” Although the death of one man may seem inconsequential to a society, this is a critical part of the novel. The dead man, later announced to be Ezeudu, did not die in obscurity. His death is announced and mourned- it is not as if he is left alone, nameless, to rot- further proving that he and his clansmen are civilized and care for their people.

The daughter of one of Okonkwo’s friends, Akueke, is getting married. Akueke, her family, and family friends are all getting ready. Her wedding day will be filled with many events and traditions. The narrator explains that “It was the day on which her suitor… would bring palm wine not only to her parents and immediate relatives… the guests rose to go, taking their bride home to spend seven market weeks with her new family.” (Achebe 110, 119) Akueke getting married is a celebration of love and new life. Her wedding will include sophisticated traditions such as feasting, the gifting of a fat goat to Akueke’s new in-laws, and more to ensure all goes well for the new couple. The day will be filled with the drinking of palm wine and singing as well. People will be laughing with each other and celebrating the birth of new sons and daughters that will result from the marriage.