Chapter Eighteen Flashcards
What kind of people are joining the church and why? What does he ask them to do?
the kind of people who are joining the Christian church in Mbanta are primarily those who feel
marginalized or oppressed within the traditional Igbo society. This includes individuals like
Nwoye, who is disenchanted with his father Okonkwo’s harsh and inflexible demeanor. People
who are considered outcasts, rejected, or disenfranchised by the existing social structures find a
sense of belonging and acceptance within the Christian community. Mr. Kiaga, the leader of the
Christian missionaries, encourages these converts to bring their twins and infants to the church.
This gesture is significant because in Igbo society, twins are often considered evil and are left in
the Evil Forest to die. By welcoming twins into the Christian fold, the missionaries challenge and
counteract certain traditional practices, further appealing to those who may have suffered from
these customs in the past.
What happens when the people of the church are ostracized and why does the treatment eventually end?
When the people of the church in Mbanta are ostracized and face discrimination from the rest
of the village, they endure a period of hardship. They are excluded from communal activities,
face ridicule, and sometimes even lose access to resources and support. The ostracism is a result
of the villagers’ resistance to the new religion and the perceived betrayal of their traditional
customs. However, the mistreatment eventually begins to subside due to the efforts of Mr.
Kiaga, the Christian missionary leader. He demonstrates genuine concern for the well-being of
the converts and actively engages with the community. Additionally, the converts, led by
Nwoye, prove themselves to be hardworking and cooperative. Over time, the villagers start to
recognize the converts’ dedication and contributions, leading to a gradual acceptance of the
Christian community. This acceptance marks a shift in the dynamics between the traditional
believers and the Christian converts in Mbanta.
