The native African people had one of the most complex and ridged social structures in the world at the time of colonisation. Through the white mans arrogance they where not able to see this or just simply did not want to anyway. Achebe uses characters like Okonkwo "main character of the novel and tragic hero" in his novel to illustrate the African people's values and attitudes towards change to the invading white culture.

Achebe focuses on the native tribe of people called the Ibo, who live in Nigeria to get his views across to the reader. In this tribe there lives the books main character Okonkwo, a well-

Achebe demonstrates how strongly the people believed in their culture and society, by using the accidental death of clans mans. When Okonkwo rifle accidentally discharges at the funeral of another clan's man, and kills the dead mans son, he does the only honourable thing and fled.

The elders of all the villages where all concerned with changes that had already started to take place among some of their native people. But none of the elders where as furious as Okonkwo .A meeting was held and views exchanged by the elders and Okonkwo's furious nature was coming to the boil again with him wanting to kill all the white men in the village. But the elders had other ideas, which they thought best " We should do something. But let us ostracise these men. We would not be held accountable for their abominations." (P140) This course of action started to show some change in the attitudes of the elders by showing compromise, which Okonkwo saw as signs of weakness, something he despised. Okonkwo went along with their decision, despite his own view. This still showing his strong belief in the Ibo values. It wasn't until one of the native converts unmasked one of the spirit gods did the tribe seek to take further action. This was when the elders burned down the church. All participant from the arson where arrested and sent jail after they where tricked into coming to a meeting to discuss the matter, Okonkwo being one of them. A short time Later all the elders and Okonkwo where all released, after their fine had been paid. The time in jail had only made Okonkwo's thirst for blood now unstoppable.

" Okonkwo's gun had exploded and a piece of iron had pieced the boy's heart."

Okonkwo displayed great attribute as a man in his society, and these allowed him to maintain the high profile he had in the tribe. He was a great warrior, hard working, ambitious, good father, and strong willed, these where some of the qualities that had propelled him to become a respected elder in the tribe. But as with everyone he has his bad points and unfortunate to say, these where wh

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Approximate Word count = 1402
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)