Riowena.Valerie.Robert.TFA

1. Locusts symbolize the white men's impending colonization of the Igbo society: the appearance of the locusts is not taken seriously by the Igbo, and are even celebrated, and this could reflect the underestimation of the power that the white men/colonization truly have versus the beliefs held by the Igbo people. The Igbo see the good side of the locusts, but fail to see the threat that they have - destruction of things they hold dear.

2. The purpose of Ikemefuna is to represent the diversity of culture within the Igbo society. In Conrad's Heart of Darkness, the black people are seen as a single, uniform mass of people with a single culture and similar customs (lifeless and dull), but in this novel, Achebe displays the vibrance and diversity of Igbo culture, with civilization and uniqueness.

3. Okonkwo is the complete and utter opposite of Obierika: while Okonkwo is quick to act without thinking about the consequences of his actions, and very violent, Obierika is more contemplative, thinks about morals, and thus his perspective on masculinity clashes with Okonkwo's. Okonkwo feels that physical action, lack of soft emotions among other qualities defines masculinity, while Obierika feels that good judgment and morals are more important.

"And then appeared on the horizon a slowly-moving mass like a boundless sheet of black cloud drifting towards Umuofia" (pg. 56)""

"Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak" (pg. 61)