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Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 2, Chapter 16
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Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 2, Chapter 16

Chapter 16: The Arrival of the Missionaries

In this chapter, Obi Rika returns to Umuofia and informs the elders that missionaries have built a church in Mbanta. Despite their displeasure, the elders do not believe that the new religion will last. Obi Rika is intrigued by the converts and wants to inform Okonkwo about his son's activities.

Obi Rika's Encounter with the Missionaries

  • Obi Rika learns about the missionaries from Nwoye's mother, who witnessed their arrival in Mbanta.
  • The white man leading the missionaries has a commanding presence but unintentionally amuses the crowd by using incorrect terms during translation.
  • The white man criticizes the Igbo gods as heathen and promotes Christianity as the one true religion. He urges them to convert and promises to bring progress through technology like iron horses.

Moye's Fascination with Christianity

  • While Okonkwo dismisses the missionaries as crazy, Moye finds himself fascinated by their hymns and sees Christianity as an answer to his inner questions.
  • Moye sees Christianity as a way to break free from his father, Okonkwo, who plays no active role in this chapter.
  • After joining the missionaries, when asked about his father, Moye replies that he doesn't know him anymore.
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Summarize videos instantly with our Course Assistant plugin, and enjoy AI-generated quizzes: https://bit.ly/ch-ai-asst Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart explained with chapter summaries in just a few minutes! Professor Kristen Over of Northeastern Illinois University provides an in-depth summary and analysis of Part 2, Chapter 16 of Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart. Download the free study guide and infographic for Things Fall Apart here: https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Things-Fall-Apart/infographic/ Chinua Achebe's classic postcolonial novel Things Fall Apart details the tragedy of colonialism through the eyes of Okonkwo, a respected member of Igbo society in 1890s Nigeria. Determined and stoic, he meets the harsh realities of life with equanimity. He survives a hardscrabble upbringing to become the patriarch of a growing family and a prominent figure in his village. However, the arrival of British colonists upsets the delicate balance he has established. The disruption created by these invaders, who set about converting the Igbo to Christianity, sets Okonkwo on the path to ruin. As he attempts to rebel against the new order established by the British, he loses everything he has worked for. This parable of colonialist oppression avoids easy conclusions. It instead focuses on the very personal struggle of one man as he attempts to cope with powerful social forces intent on destroying his way of life. Considered the father of modern African literature, Nigerian-born Chinua Achebe first published Things Fall Apart in 1958. The novel has been translated into more than 50 languages. Nelson Mandela said Achebe “brought Africa to the rest of the world.” This historical fiction novel contains many powerful themes, such as betrayal, fate vs. free will, and culture and change. Other symbols include fire representing Okonkwo and his blazing anger, which eventually destroys him; yams symbolizing masculinity, wealth, and respect; and locusts symbolizing the arrival of British colonists. Explore Course Hero’s collection of free literature study guides, Q&A pairs, and infographics here: https://www.coursehero.com/lit/ About Course Hero: Course Hero helps empower students and educators to succeed! We’re fueled by a passionate community of students and educators who share their course-specific knowledge and resources to help others learn. Learn more at http://www.coursehero.com Master Your Classes™ with Course Hero! Get the latest updates: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursehero Twitter: https://twitter.com/coursehero