Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe - 1104 Words

In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Christianity is introduced to a tribal clan through missionaries. The clan, however, has their own religion, which comprises of a clear social structure. While the mission is beneficial to many members of the clan, others are not content with the new influence. The Agbala—men with no title—are grateful for the new religion: the mission provides them with a new opportunity to become a respected member of society. The powerful men are wary of this change, as it decreases their power and status in the society, and allows for more social freedom and movement. As many in the tribe take to the new religion, the culture is slowly forgotten, causing conflict. When the missionaries enter Umuofia and attempt†¦show more content†¦A sudden hush had fallen on the women, who had been talking, and they had quickened their steps. Nwoye had heard that twins were put in earthenware pots and thrown away in the forest, but he had never yet come across them. A vague chill had descended on him and his head had seemed to swell, like a solitary walker at night who passes an evil spirit on the way.†(61) Nwoye realizes that he is powerless in Umuofia. He cannot save the twins, or himself. Nwoye is drawn to the mission, after being beat by Okonkwo. Feeling forced to live up to Okonkwo’s and the tribe’s expectations, Nwoye instead rebels, from his family and the violent practices of the Igbo culture as a whole. Nwoye feels a sense of relief from the missionaries’ song, as lessons the trauma of seeing the abandoned twins and knowing that Ikemefuna was killed. â€Å"The words of the hymn were like drops of frozen rain melting on the dry palate of the panting earth. Nwoye’s callow mind was greatly puzzled.†(132) Nwoye is relieved and enlightened when he hears the hymn. He understands the social structure in Umuofia is flawed, and decides to reestablish his life. The missionaries bring new hope to Nwoye, and to the outcasts of Umuofia. By extracting the outcasts from the society, the missionaries cause social upheaval and undermine the fabric of Umuofian society. In order for there to be a functioning society in Umuofia,