Achebe uses symbolism, with the sharing of the kola nut amongst clansman. This symbol represents peace and goodwill between the tribe. The practice diffuses tension felt between clansmen that may

Achebe uses a great deal of narrative irony to enhance the reader's literary experience. The most blatant example is his decision to relay the story in the English language as opposed to African dialect. Why would Achebe write his story in English when he is trying to recreate a non-English culture? The author answers this question when he says that "English is the national, administrative, legal and literary language of both the West African's living in ex-British colonies and the white man...where am I to find the time," he says, "to learn the half dozen or so Nigerian languages?" (The African Writer and the English Language," Morning Yet on Creation Day, 1976). A vital point to keep in mind is that the novel is intended for both English-speaking Africans and Westerners. Therefore, although it seems ironic for the author to write in English, this choice serves a greater purpose because is enables the Achebe to communicate to both ethnic groups. This source of narrative irony adds to the themes of language and culture in the novel, given that a key conflict between the two nations is the their lack of effective communication and as a result, the development of major culture clashes. A concern for this language barrier amongst the Ibo and the "white man" is evident when Obierike, a companion of Okonkwo says, "Does the white man understand our custom...how can he when he does not even speak our tongue" (176)?

The murder of Ikemefuna hits Nwoye particularly hard since the two boys had become deeply attached. Nwoye does not seem to understand why the oracle orders the village to commit such an atrocious crime. Many things in the Ibo culture baffle Nwoye, including the killing of twins. "Nwoye had heard that twins were pit in earthenware pots and thrown away in the forest...a vague chill had descended on him and his head had seemed to swell" (62). From a young age, Nwoye develops a critical attitude toward his culture. Okonkwo sees his father's dire qualities building up in Nwoye and worries about his future as a result. The reader can see that this frightens and saddens Okonkwo when Achebe says, "Nwoye was twelve years old but was already causing his father great anxiety for his incipient laziness." Okonkwo sought to correct his son by beating him but in effect, this contributes to the development of the young boy into a "sad-faced youth" (14). Okonkwo always taught his son to be masculine and violent in order to appear strong and manly (53). However, Nwoye does not approve of this practice. At one point in the novel, Okonkwo holds a feast in which an old clansman from the Umunna tribe says, "I fear for you young people because you do not understand how strong is the bond of kinship...A man can now leave his father and his brothers. He can curse the God's of his fathers and his ancestors, like a hunter's dog that suddenly goes mad and turns on his master...I fear for the clan" (167). Subsequently, after the coming of the "white man," Nwoye rejects his culture and converts to Christianity. He does

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Approximate Word count = 2049
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)