Maryanne.Riowena.MichaelR.IPSS11-13


 * 1) Okonkwo’s incident of the exploding gun, accidentally killing a child, symbolizes the beginning of the inflow/invasion of western civilization into the Igbo community. By letting a western object be the cause for Okonkwo’s downfall à and the rest of Igbo society. Foreshadows the turmoil and destruction at the hands of WOkestern society.
 * 2) Obierika is a possible representation of Achebe, by letting his voice flow through Obierika shows the faults of Okonkwo and the Igbo society like superstition, blind faith and immorality of some of the customs (Onkonkwo’s foil and complete opposite is Obierika, who questions the Igbo society, thus showing Achebe’s criticism.)
 * 3) Social hierarchy is what cause the downfall of the Igbo society. Those who suffer at the hands of Igbo society (i.e. the oppressed, the lepers, the outcasts, and the women) push forward change and accelerate the falling apart of the old civilization for the embrace of the new one, which doesn’t discriminate or isolate. Those who are safe in Igbo society (i.e. Okonkwo and the warriors as well as egwugwu) don’t accept the new Western culture and their resistance also aids in the downfall.

"Okonkwo was also feeling tired, and sleepy, for although nobody else knew it, he had not slept at all last night. He had felt very anxious but did not show it." Pg 112 "It was the justice of the earth goddess, and they were merely her messengers." Pg 125