In this chapter, we appreciate Achebe’s rebuttal of the Western biased narrative of Africans as people without civilization as depicted by many of their racist writers including Joseph Conrad in his Heart of Darkness.
He x-rays the customs and traditions of the Igbo people to prove the existence of civilization. We see characters exhibit human aspirations and exist within time and culture.
Okonkwo has become very successful and it is beginning to enter his head. He has to be reminded by the eldest man of his clan that “Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble”. We are yet to resolve the conflict between hardwork and luck as a ladder to success. The author however thinks there is no conflict for the odds were stacked against Okonkwo. He only said a firm yes to his chi and followed it up with actions.
The chapter also emphasizes the role of women as home keepers, cooking and taking care of the children. Okonkwo broke the sacred week of peace by beating Ojiugo who failed to provide his meal. His punishment and atonement reflects the Igbo proverb that “otu onye anarọ akarị obodo”
We also witness in this chapter how culture and traditions evolve. According to the tales of some elders, Okonkwo desecrating the week of peace would have been met with severer punishment than he got (dragging him round the village square till he dies) and also the demeaning treatment of people who die within the week of peace were all thought to be counterproductive, and as such abolished. Achebe herein highlights the dynamism also involved in rainmaking.
Finally, the chapter showcases the familial bond inherent in the traditional Igbo family. Though a stranger, Ikemefuna has quickly bonded with his host family especially with their son Nwoye. What fate lies ahead is what no one knows.
