Ah, the double edged sword of getting to choose what to write about and having to choose something to write about. Today, after our invigorating discussion in class, I have decided to blog about how the missionaries were allowed into the village of Umuofia, and how their arrival affected the tribe.
Well, first of all, I think we pretty much established that there is a distinct reason that the missionaries had common English names (Reverend James Smith and Brown). The actual characters don't matter as much what they represent, which is a collective whole of missionaries. But their characters do serve a purpose, which is to remind the reader of the different approaches to "colonizing" the far reaches of Africa. Brown had a compromising and accommodating way of interacting with the villagers (Achebe 104), and even tried to warn them that if they didn't educate themselves in the way of the Christians now, then it would be forced upon them later on by a stronger power (Achebe 102-3). Smith was the polar opposite, and it seems that his ways are more closely represented by his government rather than his God.
The arrival of the Christian missionaries brought strife and brokenness to the tribe, hence the theme of "Things Fall Apart." The tribe was divided: those who weren't accepted by the "normal" villagers were welcomed with open arms by the "Other," (Achebe 87,90) and even some of those who had grown up conventionally within the tribe chose to convert (Achebe 87-89). This is a huge truth that Okonkwo struggles with throughout his exile and eventual return to his tribe. He feels that the people are weak and cowardly, unwilling to fight for their dying culture. This conflict indeed ends up being the very turmoil that leads him to take his own life, resulting in the consequence of not being able to be buried by his fellow tribesmen in the respectful fashion that is normally due- the same fate he now shares with his father (Achebe 117).
The role of the Christian missionaries is the very theme which we must recognize- that outside influences can and will strip down and destroy cultures if we are not wary and interested in preserving certain valuable aspects of a people. If we do choose to help the advancement of others in need, we must respect the core values that are already set in place.
I too wish we had more respect for other cultures, even the ones deemed inferior and in need of our help. If only we could go into an unexplored place considering the things we can learn *from* a people, rather than boasting about what the people will learn from us.
ReplyDeleteBut looking at the course of history, this is so rare! Colonists/missionaries come in, forcefully or disguising the "option" of adapting to their ways, and eventually dominate a culture. Those who initially don't want to participate in the new practices, religions, etc are screwed. They get angry and violent but later assimilate if they want to survive. We've seen it time and time again with the Spanish, Native Americans, and Africans. And usually the really cool aspects of their culture that made them unique are gone forever.
Are we that egocentric to really believe that everyone needs to be more like us? I think that would make for an extremely boring world.
I agree. It's the Prime Directive!
ReplyDeleteWhat I have found interesting is that we have not discussed colonization with regards to religion (and primarily Christianity). In Heart of Darkness the emphasis was on economic gain, which brings to mind intential harm. What about those that think they are "helping"? I smell an essay brewing on my side!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog! I really like how you pointed out that Okonkwo's suicide lead him to share the same fate, in burial, that his father had. His father was so much an embarrassment to him, as well as a source of inspiration to be nothing like him, that it is indeed funny how it all worked out. Additionally, I think that Okonkwo was so disappointed with his tribesmen, that he no longer felt that they were worth his time and committed suicide as an act of defiance.
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