Erin Howard 11/13

     

     Erin Howard   Blog #1   11/13

   
     A common theme occurring throughout the first chapter of Things Fall Apart is the prevalent references to indicators of wealth within the town of Umuofia. From the very beginning, readers learn of the (lack-of) wealthiness of Okonkwo's father, Unoka, from the amount of cowries he owes to various people. Being a "debtor" (pg 4) and always owing money to his neighbors reveals a sense of characterization in Unoka, a characteristic that is polar from Okonkwo. He displays a lazy and incapable attitude while Okonkwo presents an honorable and respectable man. The repetition of the words "cowries" and "debt" on pages 7 and 8 indicate the extremity of destitution Unoka withstands.

      Additionally, Okoye's wealthiness is indicated, in contrast to Unoka's, through the presence of yams and the number of wives he has. Okoye isn't a failure and has a "large barn full of yams," (pg 6) that explaines his fortune. He's also married to three different women; an ability only prosperous men are accustomed to. Similarly, Okonkwo is later described as also having these same virtues, having "two barns full of yams," and having "just married his third wife." (pg 8)

      The means of these indicators being distinguished in regards to the chapter as a whole by readers is a result of them being tangible. The money being owed in the debt, and the yams and wives being retained by the men, are both perceivable items readers can attach to. The sense of validity these materialistic items give to the characters also give the same sense of validity to readers.