Things Fall Apart: Chapter 17

Things Fall Apart: Chapter 17

Introduction to Chapter 17

  • Chapter 17 continues the narrative flow through the viewpoint of Reverend Smith as he replaces Mister Brown as the Christian missionary in Umuofia.
  • It provides an insight into the stark and contrasting faith systems, their nuances and the challenging choices faced by the characters.
  • This chapter delves deep into the changing societal stands, conflicts, and adaptations to the new religion.

Key Themes

Conflict and Tension

  • Reverend Smith’s black-and-white outlook on things intensifies existing tension between the Native Africans and the colonisers.
  • His intolerance towards the traditional Umuofian customs and faith aggravates the conflict, in stark contrast to Mister Brown’s approach.

Religion and Faith

  • Reverend Smith’s strict and uncompromising interpretation of Christianity highlights a narrow perspective, hinting at the dogmatic outlook of colonial rule.
  • The mishap with Enoch and the mask spirit depicts the inevitable clash between competing faith systems.

Cultural Shifts

  • The shift from Brown’s more understanding stance to Smith’s rigid attitude symbolises the impending and unavoidable changes in Umuofian society.

Language Use

  • Achebe uses harsh, definitive language to present Reverend Smith’s character, reflecting his dogmatic beliefs and rigid view.
  • Conversational dialogues present the contrast effectively and hint at the growing tension in Umuofia.

Symbols

The Mask Spirit

  • The mask spirit symbolises the traditional Umuofian beliefs and the fight with Enoch symbolises the conflict between old and new religions.
  • The destruction of the mask carries a deep symbolic meaning, signalling the undermining of Umuofian culture.

Critical Events

  • Reverend Smith replacing Mister Brown as the spiritual leader of the colonial missionaries marks an important turn of events.
  • The violent conflict between Enoch and the mask spirit marks the starting point of open conflict.

Chapter 17 Summary

  • Chapter 17 marks a significant shift in the narrative, as it introduces an uncompromising, rigid Christian leader who increases tension with traditional Umuofian society.
  • Reverend Smith’s intolerance of Umuofian customs and the violent miss-happenings signal the imminent clash between two faith systems.
  • The cultural unrest foreshadows further hardships and conflicts for the Umuofians.