The Impact of Missionaries on the Villagers in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

TLDRIn this chapter of Things Fall Apart, Obi Rika returns to his village to report the presence of missionaries and their church. The elders are displeased, but Obi Rika is intrigued. The white missionary speaks about Christianity, ridicules the local beliefs, and offers iron horses. Moyet, a young villager, is fascinated by the missionaries' hymn and sees Christianity as a way to break free from his father and the traditional culture.

Key insights

✝️The presence of missionaries and the building of a church in the village cause a stir among the elders.

🌍The white missionary speaks condescendingly about the local beliefs and sees them as heathen gods.

🐴The white missionary promises to bring iron horses as a sign of progress and prosperity.

🎵Moyet is fascinated by the missionaries' hymn and finds solace and relief in Christianity.

👨‍👦Moyet's conversion to Christianity causes a rift between him and his father, Okonkwo.

Q&A

How do the elders react to the presence of missionaries?

The elders are displeased with the presence of missionaries and the building of a church in the village.

What does the white missionary say about the local beliefs?

The white missionary ridicules the local beliefs and refers to them as heathen gods made of wood and stone.

What does the white missionary promise to bring to the villagers?

The white missionary promises to bring iron horses to the villagers as a sign of progress and prosperity.

Why is Moyet fascinated by the missionaries?

Moyet is fascinated by the missionaries' hymn, which seems to answer a vague and persistent question within him.

How does Moyet's conversion to Christianity affect his relationship with his father, Okonkwo?

Moyet's conversion to Christianity causes a rift between him and his father, Okonkwo, as they have different attitudes and beliefs.

Timestamped Summary

00:17Obi Rika returns to the village and reports the presence of missionaries and their church.

00:20The elders are displeased, but Obi Rika is intrigued by the missionaries.

00:46The white missionary speaks condescendingly about the local beliefs and promises to bring iron horses to the villagers.

01:25Moyet is fascinated by the missionaries' hymn and finds solace in Christianity.

02:02Moyet's conversion to Christianity causes a rift between him and his father, Okonkwo.