The Igbo Culture

The novel was taken place in the late 1800’s when the British were expanding their influence in Africa with their culture, government, and most importantly their religion. The Igbo culture highly regarded tradition, culture, and their beliefs, so when they became aware of the British and their “lunatic religion” (Achebe, 1099), they became fearful for what they did not yet know. For instance, it’s seen as a sign of masculinity if a man takes in many wives. However, the Europeans such as the British are forbidden to practice polygamy, according to some scriptures of the Bible. This was deemed acceptable in Igbo culture while it’s not for the European culture.

The Igbos did not know how to handle Christianity. The arrival of the British was
unexpected, and it did not help that that they were more advanced in education, weaponry, technology. This gives the British a stronger influence over the Igbo land, as well as a superior air to their efforts. The Igbos are told their gods are false, and that they need to be taught to read and write. To their eyes, the British are convinced the Igbo people are primitives; they do not know how to act human. Consequently the British took it upon themselves to civilize these “primitives” who do not even ask to be civilized.