Themes

Tradition v change
The Igbo tribe experience a loss of their ancient traditions when missionaries change
their villages by erecting churches and spreading the ideas of Christianity.

Spirituality
The backbone of Igbo society is the peoples spirituality-- from agriculture to politics to
childbirth, nothing occurs independently from the gods, the supernatural, and/or the
ancient elders.

Fear
Fear drives many of Okonkwos choices, as he fears most of all losing power and the
respect of others in his tribe.
Vocabulary
The Igbo tribe practices polytheism, as they worship more than one god.
Each god has something it protects and rules over. For example, Ani is
the goddess of fertility and the Earth.

Quote: And when a man is at peace with his gods and his ancestors, his
harvest will be good or bad according to the strength of his arm (page
17).
Vocabulary
Missionaries coming to the Igbo villages to erect churches and spread Christian theology is an
example of cultural diffusion. While many of the Igbo people were resistant to this change, some of
the clan members willingly joined the church and relinquished their prior spiritual beliefs. Even
today, Christianity is one of the main religions in African countries like Nigeria.

Quote: He told them they worshipped false gods, gods of wood and stone. A deep murmur went
through the crowd when he said this. He told them that the true God lived on high and that all men
when they died went before Him for judgment. Evil men and all the heathen who in their blindness
bowed to wood and stone were thrown into a fire that burned like palm oil. But good men who
worshipped the true God lived forever in His happy kingdom (page 145).
Vocabulary
When Okonkwo is exiled from Umuofia and goes to Mbanta, his mothers village, he experiences a
slight culture shock. In Umuofia, the village largely functions as a patriarchy, men being the
sole-decision makers and leaders. In Mbanta, men still hold this role but women are also valued for
the role they play as well. Uchendu, Okonkwos uncle, explains to him that he will remain a child
until he understands that Mother is Supreme. Mbanta is an example of patriarchy mixing with
matriarchy.

Quote: Its true that a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy
in its mothers hut. A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and sweet. But when there
is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you. She is
buried there. And what is why we say mother is supreme (page 134).