Chapter Twenty Two Flashcards
Mr. Smith replaces Mr. Brown as the new head of the Christian church. Describe how he is different from Mr. Brown.
Reverend James Smith replaces Mr. Brown as the head of the Christian church in “Things Fall
Apart,” and he differs significantly from his predecessor, Mr. Brown. Unlike Mr. Brown, who
adopts a more tolerant and understanding approach towards the Igbo people and their
customs, Reverend Smith is rigid and uncompromising in his beliefs. Reverend Smith considers
the traditional practices of the Igbo as heathen and refuses to accommodate or adapt to their
cultural nuances. He is less concerned with building bridges between Christianity and the
indigenous beliefs, choosing instead to condemn and criticize the Igbo way of life. This shift in
leadership exacerbates the tensions between the Christian missionaries and the people of
Umuofia, leading to increased conflict and resistance to the encroachment of Western religion
and values.
What terrible crime does Enoch commit, and what is the ultimate consequence of his action in regards to the church in Umuofia?
a member of the Christian church in Umuofia, commits a terrible crime when he unmasks one of
the egwugwu during the annual ceremony. Unmasking an egwugwu is considered a grave
offense, as these masked figures represent ancestral spirits and hold a sacred and revered status
in the Igbo culture. Enoch’s action results in the desecration of the traditional religious symbols
and deeply offends the people of Umuofia. In retaliation, the egwugwu retaliate by destroying
the Christian church in Umuofia. This act of retribution is a significant consequence of Enoch’s
crime, and it symbolizes the intensification of the cultural and religious conflict between the
traditional beliefs of the Igbo people and the encroaching influence of Christianity. The
destruction of the church marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the deep-seated
tensions and resistance between the indigenous culture and the forces of colonialism and
Christianity.
