Things F a l l Apart Entry #5
The Evil Forest and the Norm of Society
After reading chapters 16-18 of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the society at which Okonkwo lives in is very expectant. Whether it is in Iguedo or Mbanta, one can notice how being "different" can affect how one lives or how people think of you. When the white men arrive at Mbanta, Mr.Kiaga opens up a new church. He proposes a portion of land to the main rulers of Mbanta, and they allow him the "Evil Forest." The Evil Forest is basically the worst part of land in the village. It contains many diseases, and many evil spirits that should not be encountered. It's a place for the different.
In Things Fall Apart, what I commonly noticed was how being "different" was such a bad thing. For example, Nneka in chapter 17 decided to be a convert, because she wasn't being excepted for who she was, but by her actions. She produced twins which were not accepted in the society. Sooner or later, many came to the Christian church because they appreciated the different. When Nwoye wants to join Christianity, Okonkwo is incited into utter anger. He can't stand it when people are different. I think this well represents contemporary society. We accept people for being the same as everyone else. When we see someone different, we tend to disparage them, or treat them as insubordinates. In society, we will always have an Evil Forest, because all of us are different.
The following chapters in Things Fall Apart, made me realize the significance of the things we are or do. Many will not appreciate you if you cannot meet their expectations. As in Nneka and in Nwoye they wanted to be different and be accepted for who they were. These people are not only different, but in my opinion, I believe for them to be brave.
Nwoye knew that he was different, ever since he was a child. He pretended to be something he was not. He enjoyed folklore instead of tales of gore and violence. He wanted his father to accept him for who he was. And so he went, into the Evil Forest, as a different person. He knew he would be reprimanded and hated, but he couldn't deny something that was his truth, his identity. Nwoye leaving probably gave Okonkwo a new understanding. This understanding probably told that people can be different, and that nothing can change it and it is irrevocable and inevitable.
Would you rather remain a face in the crowd or who you truly are?
posted by QHSSYC Photography Club @ 9:42 PM
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