Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 3, Chapter 22

Summary

In Part Three, Chapter 22 of 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe, Mr. Brown departs, making way for the zealous Mr. Smith. His rigid approach to faith and intolerance for the old religion leads to a severe clash, epitomized by Enoch's crime of unmasking an egwugwu. The ensuing chaos results in a standoff between Smith and the villagers, highlighting the language barrier and cultural misunderstanding that escalates the conflict, ultimately leading to the destruction of the church and the village's shrine.

Takeaways

• 📚 The narrative is from 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe, focusing on the transition from Mr. Brown to Mr. Smith.
• 🔄 Mr. Smith is a strict zealot with a black-and-white view of the world, in contrast to Mr. Brown.
• 🙏 Mr. Smith demands strict adherence to the Christian faith from converts, unlike the more tolerant Mr. Brown.
• 🔥 Enoch, an overzealous convert, triggers a major conflict by unmasking an igboo, a sacred act in the Igbo culture.
• 💣 The conflict escalates when the villagers retaliate against Enoch, leading to the destruction of his compound.
• ⛪ Mr. Smith and his followers hide in the church, which the villagers intend to demolish as a sign of their resistance.
• 🗣️ Communication barriers arise as the interpreter fails to accurately convey messages between Mr. Smith and the villagers.
• 🔍 The inability to understand the local dialect leads to a misunderstanding of Mr. Smith's intentions and the villagers' demands.
• 🛡️ Mr. Smith's confrontational approach mirrors Okonkwo's, suggesting a readiness for conflict rather than peaceful resolution.
• 🌐 The script highlights the theme of cultural clash and the inevitable violence that arises from the inability to communicate and coexist.
• 🌌 The story reflects the broader historical context of colonialism and its impact on indigenous cultures and traditions.

Q & A

Who is Mr. Brown's successor in the village?

Mr. Brown is succeeded by Mr. Smith, who is described as a strict zealot with a very different approach to religion and life.

What is Mr. Smith's view on the world and the role of converts?

Mr. Smith sees the world as a battlefield and believes that converts should strictly adhere to the faith, disavowing any attachment to the Old Religion.

What significant event marks the beginning of conflict between the church and the clan?

The conflict begins when Enoch, an overzealous convert, commits the terrible crime of unmasking an igloo boo in public.

How does the village retaliate against Enoch's actions?

In retaliation, the villagers plan to destroy Enoch's compound, prompting Smith and his followers to hide.

Why do the villagers not harm Mr. Smith when they meet him outside the church?

The villagers do not harm Mr. Smith out of respect for Mr. Brown, even though they intend to demolish his shrine.

What is the role of the interpreter in the conflict between Mr. Smith and the villagers?

The interpreter is supposed to relay messages between Mr. Smith and the villagers, but he does not understand the dialect of the mob spokesman and changes the meaning of Smith's reply.

How does the language barrier between Mr. Smith and the villagers contribute to the conflict?

The language barrier prevents effective communication between Mr. Smith and the villagers, making violent conflict inevitable as neither side can understand the other's messages.

What is the significance of the church being demolished by the villagers?

The demolition of the church symbolizes the villagers' rejection of Mr. Smith's strict religious beliefs and their resistance to the changes he represents.

How does Enoch's character mirror Okonkwo's?

Enoch, like Okonkwo, is ready for a fight and believes that confrontation is the only way to solve a problem, indicating a similar approach to conflict.

What does Mr. Smith's 'fire and brimstone' religion imply about his approach to faith and conflict?

Mr. Smith's 'fire and brimstone' religion suggests a harsh and uncompromising approach to faith, where obedience is paramount and conflict is seen as a necessary part of enforcing religious beliefs.

What is the underlying theme of the conflict between the new religion and the traditional beliefs of the villagers?

The underlying theme is the struggle between change and tradition, where the new religion represents a force of change that challenges the established customs and beliefs of the villagers.