— Anonymous
Culture is what identifies us as a civilization. The customs, tradition, language and the people we affiliate ourselves with. “Things Fall Apart” provides the beliefs of the Umuofia Clan. We can all agree that we follow certain beliefs and tradition that have been taught to us. My family is Mexican; one of my favorite events to celebrate is Day of The Dead. We pay respect to the dead those who mean something to us. My mother makes an altar with pictures, food, drinks, flowers, incense and music.
Comparing it to the work written by Chinua Achebe, it presents us the tradition the clan follows. A bride can be bought if both parties come to an agreement. The whole village comes together as one gifts and food are exchanged. Do you think this is fair? How would you feel if you had been bought? Personally I do not agree with this but it shows us traditions a civilization followed in the late 18th century. I like how this is only part one of the book. Introducing us to their culture and teaching us how important it is to be a tough man with success in growing yams. A fearless man is what every man should be. Also to gain many tittles to show the village they should be well respected.
However, I noticed the role of the woman. When married they must take care of their husband and children. Not only that but accept the fact that other wife’s may come in the future. The husband must show dominance at all times that leads to verbal and physical abuse. The fear to show weakness plays a big role in the book, what’s wrong
with showing emotion? Why must wives be beaten? This is a flaw but learn from this. It shows us how early clans established their own rules and beliefs, it exposes us to something out of our comfort zone. That’s what makes this “great work”. We do see the negative effects it plays but it provides us with lessons. Over time man adjust and adapt to different cultures. We may share similar beliefs but it opens our mind to things we shouldn’t do and how we should do things differently from them.
