The Significance of Characters in 'Arrow of God' by Chinua Achebe

The novel 'Arrow of God' is a great exploration of cultural clash. Achebe's writing style makes the Igbo world come alive. We see how the traditional Igbo values are deeply ingrained in every aspect of their lives, from the way they farm to the way they worship. Ezeulu is a character full of contradictions. He is proud of his position in the traditional hierarchy but is also faced with the reality of the colonial power. The story unfolds as he makes decisions that have far - reaching consequences for his people, and we are left to reflect on the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.

The works of Chinua Achebe often reveal deep truths within the realm of fiction. His writing is significant as it uses fictional stories set in African contexts to expose the complex social, cultural, and political realities. For example, in 'Things Fall Apart', he shows the impact of colonialism on African tribes, the disruption of traditional ways of life, and the clash of cultures. Through his fictional narratives, he brings to light the truth about African identity, history, and the human experience during a time of great change.

The most obvious main character is the madman himself. He is the central figure around which the story revolves, and his actions and thoughts drive the narrative.

The main character in 'The Voter' is a man who is faced with the decision of who to vote for. There are also the candidates in the election, who try to influence the voters in different ways, like through bribery.

Achebe's critique was also significant for African literature. It gave a voice to African writers who could now challenge Western literary canons. It inspired other African writers to write their own versions of African stories, ones that were true to their cultures and free from the colonial gaze that 'Heart of Darkness' represented.

In 'The Voter', Chinua Achebe explores themes of politics and corruption in a Nigerian village. The story shows how the power of voting can be manipulated. For example, the main character is faced with a difficult choice between his loyalty to a candidate and the potential benefits of voting for another. It's a story that reflects the complex social and political dynamics in African communities.

The title 'Things Fall Apart' directly reflects the main theme of the book. It means the destruction or disintegration of the Igbo society. As the story progresses, we see how the traditional ways of life, social hierarchies, and cultural values of the Igbo people are broken down due to the influence of colonialism.

Typical characters include village elders. They are the keepers of traditional knowledge and values in the African communities depicted. There are also young protagonists who are often caught between the old ways and the new, influenced by colonial ideas. And then there are the colonizers themselves, who are portrayed as having a certain arrogance and a lack of understanding of African cultures.

Another significant aspect of Achebe's novels is his use of language. He writes in English but incorporates elements of Igbo language and culture. This makes his works accessible to a wider audience while still maintaining the authenticity of the African context. His novels have had a profound influence on African literature and on how the world views Africa.

Nwoye is Okonkwo's son. He is a sensitive young man who struggles with the strict and sometimes harsh Igbo traditions. His character is important as he becomes one of the first in the village to be attracted to the new Christian teachings brought by the white missionaries.