Short Response Four

In Things Fall Apart, Achebe shows many customs and practices of the Ibo culture. Some of these customs highlight the nature of their culture. The fact that they are polytheistic shows that they are different from the white missionaries and causes problems between them. Their attitude towards death and murder are much more calm and lenient than the views of Americans. For example, Okonkwo is punished for murdering the dead elder's son by being exiled for seven years. In our society, such acts would be grounds for imprisonment and possibly even death. They are similar to us in how they do not judge anyone based upon what their ancestors have done. They value self worth more than the worth of one's parents. Their lenience, and even encouragement, of violence shows a savage side to them. This tells us that the Ibo culture is one that values strength and skill. They also value many Gods and worldly possessions, based on their religious views and their judgement based on monetary worth. However, some of their rituals, such as their weddings and funerals, bare a resemblance to our own society's. In their weddings, the make it about the bride and her mother. Also, in-laws must present gifts to one another. These are similar to weddings in many cultures. Their respect for the dead also shows similarities with our society. They celebrate their lives and take a break from their work and violent lives.
Okonkwo's role in the tribe is that of a normal man. He has all of his own problems to deal with, and he is just trying to do the best for him and his family. He has a little bit of an anger issue, and is a violent person. In our society, he could be anything from a common criminal to a rich man. He beats his wives, does not understand his son, hates his father, and overworks himself. He seems like an average Joe to me. I believe he is just a man trying to make it in his own world, nothing more, nothing less.