Will the Ibo traditions last?

Things Fall Apart contains several sayings that represent the strong religion, morals, and culture of the villages during this time period. An example is seen early on in the novel when the author, Achebe, writes, “If a child washed his hands he could eat with kings,” talking about Okonkwo, who washed his hands of his fathers bad reputation. These few words show that those in Umuofia had a great sense of pride. When Achebe writes about Okonkwo and his father, he says, “even now he still remembered how he had suffered when a playmate had told him that his father was agbala.” I was not sure what the word agbala meant first hand, but then Achebe went on to say that agbala is a word for “a man who had taken no title.” This implementation of African language in a novel written in English forces us to look outside of our comfort zone and identify more with these people and their African culture.

When Christianity overpowered the Ibo traditions that had been held by these people for many generations, much of the tribes younger generation converted to the Christian faith- without much question- because they were in awe of their power, and finally found acceptance and a place of belonging. Blinded by the new, glorious power and promise of a ‘better’ community to join, these Ibo villagers left their families, their history, and their culture. They did this regardless of the conflict and pain cause among their families and within the villages. The Christians began to dominate the Ibo culture, shattering their entire way of life. My question is why are the people of Umuofia so quick to leave their ancient traditions for something so unheard of? I understand that most of those who converted were seen as weak and unwanted, but having these traditions instilled into your life does not seem like something that is easy to just walk away from. - Elisabeth Magana