Things Fall Apart An introduction

Chinua Achebe (pronounced Chin-ew-ah A-chay-bay)  born in Eastern Nigeria, West Africa, in  father Isiah converted willingly to Christianity in his youth and became church teacher in Ibo village of Ogidi  raised by uncle Udo; retained Ibo religious beliefs (tolerated new Christian religion)

 Wrote Things Fall Apart to show that Africans had a political system and means of communication  A voice for Africa Chinua Achebe Interview

 Educated at University of Ibadan, Nigeria  Worked in Nigeria for many years  Traveled to U.S. universities to lecture before returning to Nigeria to teach  Starting in the 1970s, Achebe joined universities in Nigeria, Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.  He died on March 21, 2013 at age 82.

Nigeria

NigerianFact Sheet Today: 1 US Dollar = Nigerian Naira  Full name : The Federal Republic of Nigeria  Main exports : Petroleum, petroleum products, cocoa,rubber  Major religions : Islam, Christianity, indigenousbeliefs  Life expectancy : 52 years (men), 53 years (women)  Islamist Group Boko Haram Islamist Group Boko Haram

Setting for Things Fall Apart  Nigeria, 1890  Village: Iguedo, part of Umuofia (consists of 9 villages)  Clash of cultures:  Tribal culture of Igbo (also Ibo)  Tribal with British

Proverbs  a short, traditional saying that expresses some obvious truth or familiar experience  Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.

Indigenous African (Ibo) values:  Storytelling  Polytheistic; nature-based; lots of ceremonies  Polygamist families  Hunter/Gatherers  Emphasis on music and dance

Igbo Cosmology Sky Gods (Heavenly Beings): Chi-Ukwu: Big-God, Supreme God (same as Creator God) Chi-neke: Creator God (created all things; same as Supreme God). Anyanwu: God of Light (Model of Perfection) Agbala: Perfect and Holy Spirit (embodiment of all holy beings in one); Giver of insight and wisdom Eke: God/Governor of the eastern sky (Heaven); patron of Eke Markets and days Oye: God/Governor of the western sky (Heaven); patron of Oye Markets and days Afo: God/Governor of the northern sky (Heaven); patron of Afo Markets and days Nkwo: God/Governor of the southern sky (Heaven); patron of Nkwo Markets and days Nri Menri: Council of all ascended Eze Nri (Nri kings) Eze Nri: Nri King, also called Igwe (Heavenly One. Ambassador of God on earth) Earthly Gods (Deities) Aja-Ana: Earth Goddess/Governess (Deliverer of Perfect Justice. The Seeker of Peace and Harmony) Ikenga: God of Strength. Appealed to for strength Agwu: God of Human Psychology (Regulator of Human Psychology). Appealed to for individual focus Ifiejioku: God of Yam or Agriculture. Regulates Agriculture Aro: God of Years. God of Time. God of All Seasons Chi: God in a person (human beings are seen as Gods as well)