The Igbo People In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Red sand fumes into the moonlit sky, beaded anklets rattling amidst the smoke. Throbbing drums clutter the fiery air, feet stomping and whisking through the thick clouds to the beat. Masks illuminate the crimson fog, voices seeping through into the quaking thump of drums. Flutes fold slender into the cadence, their airy tone shimmering amongst the clack of percussion. This is a night of celebration, a routine festivity to the Igbo people. Their dances are chaotic and minimalistic, although they could be seen as energetic and pure. In Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the Igbo people are portrayed to be primitive through their superstitious punishments, and yet also civilized through their democracy and social hierarchy, therefore supporting the animosity towards stereotypes germane to Africans. The judgement of a culture is too commonly contrived from intolerance and narrow-mindedness.
The Igbo people are devotedly thought to be savages, …show more content…
While the ruthless carnage of twins, among other clansmen, is difficult to disregard, the clansmen do not aim to act upon superstition. They are simply following their beliefs in order to protect the tribe. Aside from these precedents, the Igbo people have an economy, diplomatic relations with other societies, communal roles, a democracy, and a justice system where “the rulers and elders... [assemble] to decide on their action” (Achebe 1755). In court, the “titled men and elders sat on their stools waiting for the trials to begin” (Achebe 983), when “the egwugwu appeared. The women and children sent up a great shout and took to their heels. It was instinctive” (Achebe 1000). The Igbo people encompass the feared egwugwu to enforce order in their community. Without these officers, the laws would not be abided by for there would be little worry of consequential punishment. In conclusion, the Igbo society is strikingly advanced in relation to their