Igbo Society In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

The definitions of primitive and developed are always evolving, adapting to cultural changes and exposure to new ideas. The European colonists who came to Africa dismissed the native people as “primitive” and “uncivilized” due to their foreign customs and practices.. However, it can be argued that every society has both primitive and “advanced” elements. In Things Fall Apart, the author, Chinua Achebe, portrays African societies accurately, showing both the civilized and uncivilized aspects.

The presence of institutions that create order and stability contributes to the development society. In the novel, the author describes many instances in Igbo society where there are assemblies that demonstrate a more advanced form of government. The existence of the ‘egwugwu’, a jury-like counsel who try cases, and the classification of crimes “of two kinds, male and female”, illustrates the judicial system of Igbo society (Achebe 124). The inclusion of this

Throughout the novel, the author mentions various funeral rites which coincide with status. Specific funeral rituals were developed such as how “abominations...could not be buried in [the earth goddess’ ground]” and highly titled men have special customs where they are “buried after dark with only a glowing brand light the sacred ceremony” (Achebe 18,123). The emphasis placed on death and the cycle of life is evidence of a sophisticated society that is aware concepts of mortality? Likewise with wedding ceremonies, detailed steps must be taken according to traditions. The rituals also indicate the bride price, which the suitor and the bride’s father “decide using sticks” which represent money (Achebe 73). Such meticulous wedding ceremonies demonstrate not only the importance of this custom but also how there is structure behind matrimonies. The Igbo people demonstrate a developed culture and society founded on rituals of