Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 2, Chapter 18

Summary

In 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe, chapter 18 explores the new church's acceptance of outcasts, leading to protests but also inspiring converts. A Christian's killing of a revered python causes tension, but the village leaders decide against ostracizing Christians. Okonkwo's aggressive stance contrasts with the church's compassion, reflecting his struggle against the church's growing influence in Umuofia.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The new church in the village faces challenges as it welcomes outcasts, leading to protests from the congregation.
• 🙏 Mr. Kiaga insists on accepting everyone, which inspires the wavering converts and attracts the most zealous Christian converts from the outcasts.
• 🐍 A Christian kills a Python, a revered animal in Bonta, causing the village leaders to gather and decide on a course of action.
• 🏺 The people of Bonta consider the Python as 'our Father', and Okonkwo wants to force the missionaries out for this offense.
• 👥 The leaders decide the matter is between the Christian and the gods, which Okonkwo views as cowardly and womanly.
• 🗣️ Okonkwo's passionate speech persuades the clan to ostracize Christians, showing his contrasting leadership style to Mr. Kiaga.
• 🤒 The accused Christian falls ill and dies, which the clan interprets as the gods' ability to fight their battles, leading them to not ostracize the Christian clan.
• 💔 The church's willingness to accept everyone tests its strength but ultimately helps increase the number of converts.
• 🔥 Okonkwo's anger and desire for action conflict with the clan leaders' decisions, further undermining his authority.
• 🌟 Mr. Kiaga serves as a foil to Okonkwo, contrasting their leadership styles and visions for the community.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by the new church in part two chapter 18 of 'Things Fall Apart'?

The new church faces challenges because it welcomes the village outcasts, which causes the congregation to protest.

How does Mr. Kiaga respond to the congregation's protest against accepting outcasts?

Mr. Kiaga insists that everyone is accepted in the church, despite the congregation's objections.

What significant event leads to the congregation's protest and what is its impact on the church?

A Christian kills a Python, the most revered animal in Bonta, leading to the congregation's protest. This event tests the church's strength as several converts threaten to leave.

What is the reaction of the Bonta leaders to the killing of the Python?

The Bonta leaders gather to decide how to proceed, viewing the matter as between the Christian who killed the Python and the ebo gods.

How does Okonkwo view the Bonta leaders' decision to not take direct action against the Christians?

Okonkwo views the decision as cowardly and considers the clan of Bonta as womanly, unlike the clan of his fatherland.

What does Okonkwo suggest should be done if someone offends the gods in his hut, according to the transcript?

Okonkwo suggests that if someone comes into his hut and defecates on the floor, he wouldn't leave it between the person and the gods but would smash their head in.

What is the outcome of Okonkwo's speech regarding the Christians?

Okonkwo's speech persuades the clan to ostracize their Christian members.

What happens to the man accused of killing the Python and what does the clan interpret this as?

The man accused of killing the Python falls ill and dies, which the clan interprets as confirmation that the gods are still able to fight their own battles.

How does the clan's perception of the gods' power affect their decision regarding the Christians?

Seeing the death of the man who killed the Python as the gods' retribution, the clan decides not to ostracize the Christian clan members.

What role do the outcasts play in the growth of the church according to the script?

The outcasts become the most zealous of the Christian converts, and their acceptance by the church helps increase the number of new members.

How does Mr. Kiaga serve as a foil to Okonkwo in the story?

Mr. Kiaga serves as a foil to Okonkwo as he is also a zealous man but is able to inspire and persuade others to believe as he does, in contrast to Okonkwo's more aggressive approach.