Maryanne.Henry.IP.SS

Significant points:

1. There is a language barrier between the white men and the Igbo people. This language barrier adds humour to the novel as well as juxtaposing the mood of the turmoil unleashing in the villages. The difficulty in translating the languages may provide a genuine reason why Achebe leaves many words un-translated. example: "instead of saying 'myself' he always said 'my buttocks'" p.114 2.When Nwoywe go joins the Christians, Okonkwo is very angry. There is a lot of tension and this can parallel the Troy and son relationship in Fences. 3. During the speech of the elder of the ummuna, he describes his concerns about the younger generation being less united as each of them start to individualize themselves. A metaphor of sticks came to mind, where one stick can be easily broken, however when another stick is added, it is impossible or extremely had to break both stick at once, thus showing the weakness of the Igbo people if the younger generation continues to individualize themselves, making them susceptible to the "white men".

Sig sentences: 1. "he saw clearly in it the finger of his personal god or chi. For how else could he explain his great misfortune and exile and now his despicable son's behavior." p.121

2. "Chielo, the priestess of Agbala, called the converts the excrement of the clan, and the new faith was a mad dog that had come to eat it up." p.113