Symbolism In Things Fall Apart

In the novel, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo is in the midst of his elders and others in Mbainto where the traditions and challenge of tradition of the Igbo people are presented; with the details, symbolism, and proverbs it enhances how it is revealed. Okonkwo has held this feast to pay respects to his elders and the people, also showing gratitude for all that they’ve done; it is during this time that all of these devices play a part in their unique, significant traditions.
When first describing the feast, Achebe’s details exemplify how the “foo-foo and yam pottage, egusi soup and bitter-leaf soup and pots of palm-wine” all tie in with the traditional ways of the Igbo people. It is also important to understand that “yam pottage was served first because it was lighter that foo-foo and because yam always came first.” These details are what Achebe uses to reveal how specific and significant the food and how order dependency plays a big part.
Furthermore, Achebe’s symbolism displays how a specific object can mean something more than another non-Igbo person would see it. Uchendu is the eldest of the family; therefore the “kola-nut” was given to him for the prayer. When “the kola nut was given to him to break, he prayed to the ancestors,” that contributes to how in their tradition it is imperative that the eldest
The member continues to explain how he is fearful of the younger generations because so much has changed. “An abominable religion has settled among you” he proclaims. Clearly revealing the struggle of the traditions because he’s afraid that those old, cherished traditions that were followed all this time will be lost