Things Fall Apart: Character & Key Quotes: Reverend James Smith

Things Fall Apart: Character & Key Quotes: Reverend James Smith

Character Analysis: Reverend James Smith

Role and Impact

  • Reverend Smith becomes the head of the Christian church after Mr. Brown.
  • He is shown to be a rigid and uncompromising figure in contrast to his predecessor.
  • He escalates tensions between the church and the local people by his intolerance towards Igbo religious customs, thus facilitating the cultural collision.

Personality Traits

  • Reverend Smith is portrayed as polarizing, lacking the diplomatic and reconciliatory nature of Mr. Brown.
  • He is dogmatic and zealous, views everything in “black and white”, not allowing for shades of grey in morality or religion.
  • His insensitivity is evident in his handling of the converts - the natives, unlike Mr. Brown who saw them as equals.

Key Quotes

“He saw things as black and white. And black was evil.” (Part 3, Chapter 20)

  • This quote paints a clear picture of Reverend Smith’s absolutist views and his tendency to categorize things simplistically opposing the nuanced understanding of Mr. Brown.

“Smith dealt with such people sternly, calling down hellfire upon them.” (Part 3, Chapter 20)

  • This quote illustrates the dogmatic and fire-and-brimstone approach of Reverend Smith towards church discipline, in contrast to Mr. Brown’s patient guidance.

“To Reverend James Smith, all was silent war.” (Part 3, Chapter 22)

  • This quote exposes Smith’s view of his spiritual mission, highlighting the intensity and aggression he brings to his role, thus escalating conflicts with the local community.

Understanding through Contrast

  • The character of Reverend Smith can be best understood in contrast with that of Mr. Brown.
  • While Mr. Brown approaches the locals with respect and understanding, working to build bridges between themselves and the church, Reverend Smith polarizes the two groups, driving them further apart.
  • Their contrast exemplifies two schools of colonialism: one of mutual understanding and cohabitation, the other of forceful imposition and hegemony.