Ghastly Reverend Smith Character Analysis

There are many styles of teaching. Granted, some are better than most. But, what about when dealing with two, completely opposing attitudes in getting the point across? Jolly old Joel Osteen against the ghastly Gordon Ramsay. In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe uses the characterization of Mr. Brown and Reverend Smith to represent two different extremes of teaching both having different effects on the recipient. Firstly, Mr. Brown. Mr. BROWN. Brown, as in, the middle ground between white and black! Symbolism! This describes the character perfectly; he’s interested in the benefit of both parties which, he believes, will ultimately win the Umuofians over to Christianity. Speaking of the interest of both parties, the man “built a school and hospital in Umuofia (Achebe, 181).” He doesn’t try to thrust his religion upon them, but rather, leads by example because he sees value in the Igbo culture. In other words, it seems like Mr. Brown is willing to be
influenced by the culture of Umuofia, just as he is influencing them. Achebe used Mr. Brown to represent what could have been a good side to the British coming to Africa, but that’s often not the case with imperialism there as we can see with Reverend Smith.
Mr.
Smith is one of those “fire and brimstone” preachers who “saw things as black and white (Achebe, 184).” So much so that he straight up demands that all converts sever any and all ties that they had with their indigenous beliefs. He believed, and preached, that these beliefs “were spread in the world by the Devil to lead men astray (Achebe, 185),” and that all who believe in them “were unworthy of the Lord’s table (Achebe, 185).” Which segways into more symbolism: SMITH. What’s so special about it? Well, it just so happens that, “Smith” is the #1 most used last name among white americans (Most Common Last Names for Whites in the United States). Meaning that, because he has a “fully white” name, his beliefs and ideals are “fully white”. Reverend Smith doesn’t care about the well-being of the Umuofians or their culture. If they’re not following his God, then by his standards, they might as well be satan worshipers. Reverend Smith’s behavior represents, virtually in its entirety, all the problems with
colonization.
Unlike his savage replacement, Mr. Brown takes time to respect and understand the Igbo beliefs. He was even “firm in restraining his flock from provoking the wrath of the clan (Achebe, 178).” Mr. Brown also talked much with Akunna (one of the clan leaders in Umuofia) about each other’s beliefs and, while neither gave up their respective religion, they leave learning much and with respect for one another. And as a result of being understanding, respectful, and showing a genuine curiosity in the Umuofian culture, the villagers grow to like him as “he [Mr. Brown] had been presented with a carved elephant tusk, which was a sign of dignity and rank (Achebe, 179).” He also wins many converts through his way of teaching.
Unlike Mr. Brown, Reverend Smith encourages the extremists of the church and manipulates their passion to create conflict within the clan. His inability to understand, to open his heart and mind to these people that he’s supposed to be helping, to be kind and merciful in his teachings, and to be able to compromise on at least one thing during his stay in Umuofia brings nothing but a burning house as well as church, conflict within the peoples of Umuofia, and hurt feelings all around.
Umuofia ends up being the victim of irrational prejudice, subjected to them by none other than good ‘ol Reverend Smith, much like the green eggs and ham are the victim in Dr. Seuss’ aptly named, Green Eggs and Ham. In the book, Sam’s friend makes assumptions on the oddly-colored omelettes right off the bat, refusing to know more about it. Like the Reverend, neither of the characters can seem to comprehend that the thing they’re judging so cruelly, is just different. They only choose to view it as wrong. On the other hand, the characters Sam and Mr. Brown seem to line up with each other pretty nicely. Instead of firmly judging the multi-colored meal, Mr. Brown chose to “try” it first. He found similarities and differences between the two cultures and used these to attract clan members to his way of thought, which Sam ends up succeeding in by the end of the book asking his friend to “[t]ry them! Try them! And you may [like them] (Seuss, 53).”
As confirmed by the results and Green Eggs and Ham, Mr. Brown’s way of teaching is the better. It may take longer than choosing to rule by fear, but ultimately, it’ll last a lifetime. Of course, there will always be a “Reverend Smith” about, but a “Mr. Brown” can always come along and, with time, fix the damage that was dealt and maybe even change the “Reverend” himself.