One aspect of the story that seems to have been reoccurring so far is the mentioning of the earth Goddess and the beliefs they hold in their culture. In the previous chapters, the “week of peace” was mentioned and during that particular week they didn’t do anything, but drink “palm-wine.” Except for when Okonkwo beat his wife merciless, which was unheard of during that scared week because every other individual seems to fear the Goddess and holds a level of respect for such powerful being. This major theme of religion is revealed frequently because they believe that there is a higher power that is responsible for the control of their lives and the determinant of their success, whether it be in achievements or just having a good harvest season. I think Achebe’s purpose for doing so is to try to educate readers a bit about the culture and traditions of the Igbo tribe, as well as inform readers of how important they value higher beings that are believed to have a major impact on their lives. Their religion and belief of the Earth Goddess plays a great role because it has a lot to do with their way of living and survival. The Earth Goddess is important to them because being that they are an agricultural society, they rely heavily on their harvest so they do whatever is necessary in order to please the earth Goddess. According to Achebe, “The Feast of the New Yam was held every year before the harvest began, to honor the earth goddess and the ancestral spirits of the clan. New yams could not be eaten until some had first been offered to these powers.” By holding this tradition annually, they are believed to have a good harvest in the New Year. The people of the Igbo tribe have many beliefs that they believe determines their life and how they live and by doing what is necessary to please the Gods in order live a good life.
What brings my attention – however – is that Okonkwo does not stop to reflect on the power of the gods. He is a very compulsive man, and some people of his tribe think he is a little bit extreme. Take the moment he almost killed his wife as an example – or the part where he actually killed Ikemefuna! Okonkwo cares so much about what others think about him, that sometimes he does not take his actions into account. I believe Achebe is doing this not only to introduce some of the customs of the Igbo people to the reader, but also to prove that the residents of Umuofia were as civilized as the audience – and also, maybe, for character development.
I agree that the Tribe depends heavily on traditions, and their beliefs on many gods. As shown in the scene after okonkwo beats his wife and is confronted by the priestess, one persons actions can negativity impact the hard work of the entire tribe. This idea of punishing an entire community for one persons actions, shows us that this Tribe depends heavily on their neighbors good intentions and teamwork. These punishments from the gods helps keep the people in the path of doing good.