The document discusses religious beliefs in Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart', focusing on the Igbo tribe in Nigeria before European colonization. It contrasts Igbo polytheism, which emphasizes a connection with ancestors and nature, with Christianity's monotheistic and ethical framework. The analysis highlights how these belief systems influence societal structure and individual destiny, as well as the impact of colonial perspectives on these indigenous religions.

1. Presented By.......
Niyatiben A. Pathak
Enrollement :-2069108420180042
Paper :- African Literature
Topic :- Religious Beliefs in
Things Fall Apart
Guide :- Heenaba Zala
Batch :- 2017-2019
Email Id- napathak02@gmail.com
Submitted To:- Department Of English MKBU
Religious Beliefs in
Things Fall Apart

3. •Nigeria
•End of 1800s, right
before the arrival of
white men
•Centers around the Ibo
tribe.
•Told in 3 parts:

4. Africa Divided

5. Chinua Achebe
• Born in Nigeria in 1930
Worked as a radio
producer
Awarded over 25
honorary doctorates from
Universities throughout
the world.

6. Continue ......
Achebe thinks
• Achebe, felt that Heart of Darkness
is a racist novel and that it’s author,
Joseph Conrad was a racist.
• He wrote Things Fall Apart (1959)
in an attempt to show that what
Europeans thought was strange,
actually had meaning and
importance.
Today
• Things Fall Apart is read worldwide
in high schools and colleges.
• It’s story of a man who “falls apart”
as his culture is destroyed by the
views and ways of white settlers.

7. Religious overview
• Religious acts as government in their Society .
• Traditions to Treat Special situations .
• Religious supports peace .
• Acts as a bond in IBO clans.

8. God Analysis
Igbo
• Believe gods are
similar to people
• Can only do one job,
has limited time& isn’t
all omnipotent
• Polytheism
Christianity
• Believe God is
omnipotent
• Can do anything,
no limitations
• Monotheism

9. Purpose of Gods.....
IGBO...
• Agricultural Society .
• Focus on the earth, nature
and animals.
Christianity ...
• Focus on Ideology.
• Morals and ethics
• How to live ones life

10. # IGBO Religion....
• Believes that your past ancestors watch over you to
make sure you have good “CHI”
• Funerals involve deeply moaning with two funerals
ceremonies .
• Prays brings blessings , Death , Prosperity , Especially to
Children .
• Kolanuts brings hospitality.
• He who offers the nut brings life to the next person .

11. Dealing with God
IGBO
• Ancestors live forever
• Guide & help the living
• Key component in everyday life
Christianity
• Loved ones go to heaven ,enemies
go to hell
• Provides reason to be a better
person
• Friends and family are in a better
place

12. Different than Christianity:
Supreme God: Chukwu
Represented by many minor gods
Personal Gods: Chi
In control of personal destiny
Ancestors
Represented by masked men at
social gatherings. Highly respected
and worshipped, provides interaction
between the worlds of living and
dead

13. Christianity missionary perspective ...
Superior& imposes Christianity
“ we are all children of God and we must receive these our
brothers.”
“ I believe that they would easily be made Christian, for it
happened to me that they had no creed .”
.......Christopher Columbus