Things Fall Apart Analysis Essay

The chapter one of across the bridge brings out the issue of reflection of Igbo society.It speaks of the traditions of the Igbo people that they observed. The traditions portrayed are story telling culture, which are an essential part of the night with parents narrating funny or educative stories to their children or grandchildren. The stories portray the myths, superstition, taboo and legends of the Igbo people. The fact that Okwonko is the main character of the book brings out the tradition that bring out the champion in him that he defeated amalinze the cat, this act brought fame, which was considered a good thing and the person was considered a hero. There were rites and rituals, which were seen by the Igbo. Disputes were part and parcel of the Igbo community; they were resolved by elders who always sat in councils discussing problems that are facing the community. They believed in gods and goddesses who were considered omnipotent, and could punish anyone who offended them. The lives of the Igbo were different with laws that were ruthless and the people, especially the women and children and the traditions that were harsh as throwing away born twins. These traditions affect the story adversely, the way Okwonko treats his kids. They live in practical fear of his temper, and this affects the overall story.

The Igbo Community settings

In the community setting, the book is brought out perpetually from the start of the story. It tells of how Okwonko was known in the nine villages that were closely knit, this shows that the people lived as one and were definitely related to one another with bonds, and kinship ties that were important in the community relationship. Issues that were important in the community were settled in front of all the members of the community. The people were called and assembled at a particular place where they were then told what they were called for. This is exemplified by the death of mbaino`s daughter who was killed, and ten thousand village members assembled in the market and decided to avenge her this was done by general consensus. This was also enforced by the egwugwu. The community setting was also essential in participation of birth, death and marriage, which were very important in the community. This is also exemplified by Obieriba`s celebration of the marriage of his daughter. The community members celebrated these occasions by dancing and singing with eating and drinking at the same time. Death is announced differently using an ekwe this is exemplified by the death of Ezeudu who is the oldest man in the village. Caused chaos, although the funeral procession took place, and the rites were administered. Other celebrations like the feast of the new yam brought joy to the villagers as they celebrated by decorating their huts and watched wrestling matches. Support is accorded to members with problems like Okwonko who left his village as a punishment and his mother`s family received and supported him (Achebe, 2009, p. 214). This shows the element of interdependence within the community. Community setting is an important element of the society and in the end; we see how Okwonko is punished and leaves to go to his mothers kin.

Culture assertion

Language is an important communication tool, the book, brings an element of native language use for passing on information and in communication processes. This is depicted by the use of natïve terms in the description of different items in the text. It brings out the myths of the community, proverbs and the rituals in a cultural perception.

This element of native language brings a sense of originality and authenticity of African culture. There is a social proverb that states that when a man says the word chi not only his wife but the clan says it too. Okwonko said it together with the clan. Myths and folk tales play the role of passing on the language, culture from generation to generation; it helps bring out feelings, thoughts, habits, emotions towards nature. Language was the root of information of the Igbo, and this same language was the one used to expel Okwonko from his family and clan as the punishment of his doing.

Culture among the Igbo was the sole reason for things to fall apart, considering that it happened when Ikemefuna the boy who was taken hostage fro the next village and who was later killed and the problems started from there. The evil spirit, then takes away what was left and with misfortune taking Okwonko`s family at every chance it got (Achebe, 2009, p. 214).
The grandson shoots ezeudu and Okwonko is expelled from the village to go to his mother`s before the next day cock crow. After leaving his compound was burnt down to cleanse the land which okwonko had polluted by the blood of a fellow clansman culture, however, continues as he and his family arrive at his mother`s with the offering of kola and wine. This resonates that culture can sometimes be the cause of someone’s downfall (Achebe, 2009, p. 214).

Works Cited
Achebe, Chinua, and Abiola Irele. Things Fall Apart: Authoritative Text, Contexts and Criticism.
New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2009. Prin