TFA intentions Flashcards
8 of Achebe’s intentions in TFA
- to offer a complex picture of life in pre-colonial igbo communities
- to celebrate, respect or explore traditional igbo customs and beliefs
- to show the grandeur and weakness of pre-colonial igbo society
- to challenge and mock colonial views of igbo culture
- to criticise the ideas behind colonialism
- to provide a nuanced/subtle portrait of the arrival of christian religion
- to show the tragic effects of religious intolerance
- to show the personal consequences of political/national conflict
how does Achebe critique colonialism and culture disruption?
he critiques the devastating impact of European colonialism on igbo society, highlighting the erasing of indigenous traditions and autonomy -the ppl rule the ppl
how does Achebe explore the tension between tradition vs. change?
he explores the tension between keeping old customs and adapting, showing how strict tradition can lead to downfall
how does Achebe use the intention of masculinity and power?
he does this through okonkwo character showing how fear of weakness and being seen as unmasculine leads to bad decisions
how does Achebe present the intentions of fate vs free will?
the novel is constantly questioning how much people i the igbo society actually control their lives or whether they are being shaped by societal expectations and external forces
how does Achebe use the intention of language and storytelling?
he highlights the importance of African voices, using proverbs and oral traditions to challenge western views about Africa being uncivilised
how does Achebe use the intention of justice and retribution?
he assesses the harsh and often contradictory nature of both igbo justice and colonial justice, showing how they can fail people
how does Achebe write about the intention of the fragility of civilisation?
Achebe warns that no society, no matter how strong, is immune to collapse when faced with internal divisions/conflicts and external pressures
