Things Fall Apart, Chapters Four and Five

An Ibo Medicine Man

Much of the tradition that exists in the Ibo tribe is based on respect for someone outside of oneself, be it a god, ancestral spirit, or another man in the tribe. While modern Americans like you may find some of these rituals and traditions questionable at best, keep in mind that although Things Fall Apart is fictional, the Ibo tribe is in fact quite real. Every aspect of their entire culture revolved around these age-old customs, and the villages thrived by upholding this way of life.  For the protagonist Okonkwo, this is especially true.

Essential Question

• What role do ritual and tradition play in a community?