The rigid organization of Igbo culture means individuals seldom deviate from their expected societal roles (which explains Okonkwo's disdain for weaker individuals). Within Things Fall Apart, Achebe illustrates how customs coexist due to strict definitions of gender roles. Women are perceived as inferior, and their societal roles mirror that view. Respect towards Igbo women was primarily linked to their divine affiliations (like the priestess). Due to the clearly delineated roles for males and females in Igbo society, everyone remains 'in their place.' The men, being the dominant figures in this culture, hold all the authority and govern the law (the judicial system). With the clear divisions between masculine and feminine, both sides can cohabit (mainly since the male side holds all the influence). Although Achebe's novel “Things Fall Apart” is often viewed as an authentic representation of Igbo or overall African culture, it frequently does not accurately convey the culture it strives to depict. This holds particularly true for authors writing about cultures outside the Western scope for Western audiences, exemplified by Achebe in “Things Fall Apart” focusing on a Nigerian tribe.
Relevant essays and articles in the Literature Archives that pertain to this topic consist of: Women, Colonization & Cultural Change in “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe • Comparative Analysis of Tragic Figures in Things Fall Apart vs. Oedipus the King • Comparative Essay on Things Fall Apart and My Antonia.
The novel “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe frequently claims to provide a genuine depiction of Igbo or African culture overall, yet it often fails to accurately reflect the culture it aims to portray. More broadly, one of the issues with the fiction genre and the criticisms it faces is how historical context, individuals, and settings enter the narrative. Crafting a fictional story inspired by real individuals, places, and events carries inherent risks, particularly the chance of misrepresenting or underrepresenting Igbo culture. This is especially applicable for authors discussing non-Western cultures for a Western readership, as seen in Achebe's “Things Fall Apart,” where he depicts members of a Nigerian tribe.
The passage from "Take the Tortillas Out of Your Poetry" has Spanish words like "pachuco" and "tortillas."
The excerpt from "Speaking Arabic" includes the German expression "Oom-pah," linked to Volkstümliche Musik, a popular German music style, and the Spanish term "gorditas."
