Stories Comparison

Stories Comparison

Introduction

The two works that are the subject of discussion in this paper are Joseph Conrad's Heart of darkness and Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. Upon reading the two stories, it becomes evident that the theme of religion has been highlighted in both of them. Achebe puts emphasis upon the concept of Igbo gods that are, on several instances, projected as manifestations of the various elements of nature. He mainly associates these gods with a backward society in which a majority of the population makes a living through agriculture. This particular society relies on natural phenomena and the regularity of seasons of the purpose of survival.

Thesis Statement

There is a stark contrast in the stories of Heart of darkness and Things Fall Apart since each of the, deals with the concept of polygamy and monogamy.

Discussion

Their closeness to nature is inarguably a major factor that encourages the Igbo society to respect it so that they are careful not to defile its beauty or attract its wrath by committing grave sins against her. Instead, they worship nature and fear her vengeance just as others would fear God. In addition, the Igbo ancestors, to a certain extent, assume a divine nature. Family values are central to an Igbo family and the ancestral spirits provide guidance and direction to them in almost all walks of life and even acts as their legal counsel, who are basically men wearing masks of elders, whenever there is a legal trial.

Therefore, things fall apart describes a society that believes in several gods that are all associated with nature in one way or another. Hence, the concept of Polygamy has been emphasized in the story since the Igbo's believe in several gods. In fact, they also have a strong belief that their ancestors are immortals since they seek their counsel ...