Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 3, Chapter 21

Summary

In 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe, the clan initially appreciates the positive changes brought by the white men, such as the trading store and increased wealth. Mr. Brown, a missionary, patiently introduces education and healthcare, convincing families to send their children to school. However, the clan's gradual acceptance of these changes, including the new religion, leads to a cultural shift that Okonkwo mourns. The once powerful farmer finds his clan emasculated and splintered, as the village becomes unrecognizable, reflecting the colonial paradox of progress and loss.

Takeaways

• 📚 The introduction of the white man's trading store and the influx of money have been appreciated by some in the clan.
• 🤝 Mr. Brown, the white missionary, is patient and builds relationships with clan leaders, including Hakuna, through peaceful discussions.
• 🏫 Mr. Brown believes in a gentle approach to conversion, focusing on building a hospital and a school to attract interest in Christianity.
• 👨‍🎓 Initially, only the clan's lazy children or slaves are sent to the school, as per Mr. Brown's request.
• 📈 Mr. Brown emphasizes the importance of education for future leadership, suggesting that without it, outsiders will lead the clan.
• 👨‍👦 Over time, families start sending their children to the school, recognizing the value of education.
• 📢 Mr. Brown's visit to a conch to share the news of his son's education is met with hostility from Okonkwo.
• 😔 Okonkwo mourns the changes in the clan, viewing them as a sign of weakness and a departure from traditional ways.
• 🌐 Mr. Brown represents the colonial paradox of bringing both positive development and cultural loss.
• 🏠 The village of Umuofia has largely accepted the new religion and its institutions, such as the trading store, the school, and the hospital.
• 🔄 Change has become the norm in the village, making it almost unrecognizable to Okonkwo, who feels increasingly disconnected.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Part Three, Chapter 21 in 'Things Fall Apart'?

The main theme revolves around the impact of colonialism on the Igbo clan, particularly the changes brought by the white men, and the struggle between embracing these changes and preserving traditional values.

How does Mr. Brown approach the Igbo clan?

Mr. Brown approaches the Igbo clan in a peaceful manner, becoming friendly with their leaders and engaging in intellectual discussions about religion without attacking their faith.

What is Mr. Brown's strategy for converting the Igbo people to Christianity?

Mr. Brown's strategy is to court interest by building a hospital and a school, rather than attacking their religion, thus making his approach more appealing to the clan.

What does Mr. Brown believe about the future leaders of the land?

Mr. Brown believes that the future leaders will be those who can read and write, implying the importance of education in leadership.

How do the families initially react to sending their children to the missionary school?

At first, families send only their lazy children or slaves to the school, but they are later convinced of the value of education and start sending their own children.

What news does Mr. Brown come to share with the clan about his son Moyer?

Mr. Brown comes to share the news of his son Moyer's education, who is now called Isaac, with the clan.

How does Okonkwo react to Mr. Brown's presence and the changes he represents?

Okonkwo drives Mr. Brown away with threats, mourning the changes that have occurred in the clan and seeing them as emasculating and splintering the community.

What does the return of Okonkwo signify for the clan?

The return of Okonkwo signifies a time of reflection on the past and the changes brought by the white men, but his influence is diminished as the clan has become more preoccupied with these changes.

How does Mr. Brown embody the colonial paradox?

Mr. Brown embodies the colonial paradox by combining positive developments like education and healthcare with the devastating loss of traditional culture and values.

What is the significance of the trading store, school, and hospital in the clan's acceptance of the new religion?

The trading store, school, and hospital symbolize the clan's acceptance of the new religion as they provide tangible benefits and services that the Igbo people find valuable.

How does the character of Noo Yay contrast with Okonkwo's?

Noo Yay, Okonkwo's cursed son, has adapted to the new society and is thriving, in sharp contrast to Okonkwo who is increasingly out of touch with the new reality and mourns the loss of traditional culture.