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1. Who or what is the "arrow of God"? Is it possible to have different interpretations of this question and still lead to the same ideas about the novel?
2. What are the various factors that lead to Umuaro's division and splintering? Why was Christianity so successful in replacing the old religion in Igboland?
3. What is the meaning of the idiomatic saying, repeated several times, that when two brothers fight, a stranger reaps the harvest? Or when brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father's estate? What is the significance of this saying for the novel?
4. How does Achebe use idioms to communicate the novel's ultimate meaning? What are some of the sayings that stuck out for you as you read the novel? What did those sayings mean in the context of the passage? What do they mean for the novel's overall message?
5. Arrow of God offers the perspective of both the colonizer (the British officials) and the colonized (the Igbo people). How do they perceive each other? Why do they have such different interpretations of the same events? How do the two groups influence each other's behavior?
6. This book is part of a trilogy, have you read any other of the books? How does this one compare to the others?
7. Does this book belong on the list? Your thoughts?
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Character list:
Ezeulu Ezeulu is the Chief Priest of Ulu, chief divinity of the six villages that comprise Umuaro.
Edogo: Ezeulu’s oldest son with the long-deceased Okuata.
Obika: Ezeulu’s second-oldest son by his wife Maefi. Obika is very handsome and hotheaded, with a proclivity for palm wine.
Oduche: middle son with Ugoye. Ezeulu sends Oduche to the missionary school at the church with the hopes that Oduche will become fluent in the ways and religion of the white man, enabling him to function as a knowledgeable informant and emissary.
Nvalo: youngest son. Mother is Ugoye (favorite)
Wives:
Okuata (deceased) First wife
Maefi: Ezeulu’s senior wife and mother of Obika, Oyilidie, and Ojiugo.
Ugoye: Younger wife and mother of Oduche, Nwafo, and Obiageli
Daughters:
Akueke: Ezeulu’s daughter with the deceased Okuata. She is married to Ibe
Others:
T.K. Winterbottom: British District Officer in the region. Called Wintabota by the natives
Tony Clarke: Assistant District Officer newly arrived in Okperi.
John Wright: works for the Public Works Department, supervising a new road between Okperi and Umuaro.
John Nwodika
Nwodika is from Umunneora, but lives in Okperi, where he works for Winterbottom.
Moses Unachukwu: is an African carpenter and convert to Christianity from Umuaro.
Goodcountry: is a convert from the Niger Delta who is the head of the church in Umuaro.
Ogbuefi Akuebue is Ezeulu’s contemporary, friend, and confidant.
Nwaka: a titled, wealthy man from Umunneora (one of the villages of Umuaro), and one of Ezeulu’s most vocal detractors.
Ezidemili: priest of Umunneora, servant of the python god Idemili.
Ofoedu is Obika’s ne’er-do-well friend.
Hope this is helpful.
Mod
Character list:
Ezeulu Ezeulu is the..."
Thanks Kristel, I will print this out and use as my bookmark. I haven't started this one yet:)
Mod
2. What are the various factors that lead to Umuaro's division and splintering? Why was Christianity so successful in replacing the old religion in Igboland? Jealousy and vengeance
3. What is the meaning of the idiomatic saying, repeated several times, that when two brothers fight, a stranger reaps the harvest? Or when brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father's estate? What is the significance of this saying for the novel? If a family is bent on destroying itself then the family legacy is destroyed and that family will lose in the end.
4. How does Achebe use idioms to communicate the novel's ultimate meaning? What are some of the sayings that stuck out for you as you read the novel? What did those sayings mean in the context of the passage? What do they mean for the novel's overall message?
It was like reading a Nigerian book of proverbs. Some were easy to grasp and many were humorous.
5. Arrow of God offers the perspective of both the colonizer (the British officials) and the colonized (the Igbo people). How do they perceive each other? Why do they have such different interpretations of the same events? How do the two groups influence each other's behavior? There is definitely evidence of misconceptions on both sides. Asking a person to say his name.
6. This book is part of a trilogy, have you read any other of the books? How does this one compare to the others? I read the first one so long ago but I think it is similar. This one seemed more relevant but that might just be a matter of being more current in my mind.
7. Does this book belong on the list? Your thoughts? I think it is a good one and a good example of African writing from the 20th century. So I vote to keep it.
1. Who or what is the "arrow of God"? Is it possible to have different interpretations of this question and still lead to the same ideas about the novel?The Main Character Ezeulu believes he is acting as his God has instructed him and that his very will is only a reflection of his God's will. Others in the novel believe they are doing God's work, such as the head of the local Christian church and even the leaders of the colonial effort such as Winterbottom. In the Igbo community, there are a great many gods who are in mischievous and/or down right violent conflict with each other and the humans are not very significant. One can have very different interpretations of the will of God and still believe that the book is reflective of the nature of religion and cultural beliefs; that all is not knowable, and that the world will go on regardless of the wishes and desires of the worshippers.
2. What are the various factors that lead to Umuaro's division and splintering? Why was Christianity so successful in replacing the old religion in Igboland?
The community was not very united at any time but they came together due to the pressures from the outside world that they present as one and have one high priest, Ezeulu. They did not adopt the same primary deity however with some of them staying with the python god. In some tribal groups the voice of the young were stronger than the voice of the elders and both had concerns about how to deal with the white man who was not showing any signs of going away. Their own rules of power and etiquette had no examples of what to do with a group of people who thought that they were superior to both the people and their gods.
The Igbo naturally leaned toward the Christian God when it appeared to give them what they wanted, the ability to harvest their crops, i.e. eat, without fear of being harmed by their gods.
3. What is the meaning of the idiomatic saying, repeated several times, that when two brothers fight, a stranger reaps the harvest? Or when brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father's estate? What is the significance of this saying for the novel?
The Igbo people were divided on how to proceed with all the change happening to them and the idiom reflects the fracturing in their community. Rather than presenting a solid front they fought among themselves which allowed the British to gain even more power by stepping in and solving their conflicts for them.
4. How does Achebe use idioms to communicate the novel's ultimate meaning? What are some of the sayings that stuck out for you as you read the novel? What did those sayings mean in the context of the passage? What do they mean for the novel's overall message?
One of my favorites was: "a man who brings home ant infested faggots should not complain if he is visited by lizards". It is just so visually rich and creepy. In the novel it meant that if someone challenged something or acted out of the ordinary behavioral rules than they should not be surprised that there would be retaliation.
One of the most important ones was: "a man who has nowhere else to put his hand for support puts it on his own knee". Ezeulu believes that Ouche is this man who is acting for Ezeulu as both his eyes in terms of learning the white man's powers but also strength in case that power is something that Ezeulu can actually harness. He believes that he has put his hand on his own knee to gain the support and stability the community needs instead of reaching out to the community and attempting to get them to act as one.
5. Arrow of God offers the perspective of both the colonizer (the British officials) and the colonized (the Igbo people). How do they perceive each other? Why do they have such different interpretations of the same events? How do the two groups influence each other's behavior?
They both present as being ignorant of each other in almost every way. At least the Igbo people are attempting to understand the motivations of the white man but they have absolutely no context within which to place it. The British just naturally believe themselves to be so superior that it should be obvious to everyone so they can not put into context that these people have been ruling themselves for hundreds of years without their help. They can not get over the Igbo people's uppity behavior. Ultimately their inability to understand each other leads to the ruin of a rich culture.
6. This book is part of a trilogy, have you read any other of the books? How does this one compare to the others?
I have read Things Fall Apart. which I actually like better but nevertheless this is a book well worth reading.
1. Who or what is the "arrow of God"? Is it possible to have different interpretations of this question and still lead to the same ideas about the novel?It seems pretty clear at the end that Ezeulu as a priest considers himself an Arrow of God.
2. What are the various factors that lead to Umuaro's division and splintering? Why was Christianity so successful in replacing the old religion in Igboland?
This is a big question: why any monotheistic religion historically has replaced polytheistic religions. But is it the religion that has dominated really, or is it the martial power of the Europeans?
3. What is the meaning of the idiomatic saying, repeated several times, that when two brothers fight, a stranger reaps the harvest? Or when brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father's estate? What is the significance of this saying for the novel?
It means that conflict or even disagreement within the different communities in this area allowed the Europeans to dominate.
4. How does Achebe use idioms to communicate the novel's ultimate meaning? What are some of the sayings that stuck out for you as you read the novel? What did those sayings mean in the context of the passage? What do they mean for the novel's overall message?
The book is full of idioms and proverbs that were hugely important in the way that the African characters talked to each other. Some of them were extremely sexist and I think this is a feature of the novel.
5. Arrow of God offers the perspective of both the colonizer (the British officials) and the colonized (the Igbo people). How do they perceive each other? Why do they have such different interpretations of the same events? How do the two groups influence each other's behavior?
What was interesting for me in this is that they were both aware of the other's aims and motivations without understanding what lay behind them. So Tom Winterbottom wanted a figurehead African on whom he could rest authority to keep the African people living peacefully and relatively prosperously, but he didn't understand that the conflicts between the villages were more important to Ezeulu than power. And Ezeulu wanted the same end result - peace and prosperity - but the authority had to be the clan's traditional spiritual guidance, not himself or Winterbottom.
6. This book is part of a trilogy, have you read any other of the books? How does this one compare to the others?
Yes, I have read 'Things Fall Apart'. I thought 'Arrow of God' was more effective in the way that it presented the conflicting points of view.
7. Does this book belong on the list? Your thoughts?
Yes, I think this was a rich book in the African tradition and definitely belongs.
1. Who or what is the "arrow of God"? Is it possible to have different interpretations of this question and still lead to the same ideas about the novel?The obvious interpretation is that Ezeulu is the Arrow of God, this is how he seems himself and is the basis for his faith. He is convinced that his spiritual part is being led by God to make the right decisions. On the other hand, Goodcountry could also be seen in this way, he believes his actions lead the villagers to Christianity which is Gods will. And Achebe says of Winterbottom “It looked as though the gods and the powers of event finding Winterbottom handy had used him and left him again in order as they found him.” In all cases, the view of the novel would be the same.
2. What are the various factors that lead to Umuaro's division and splintering? Why was Christianity so successful in replacing the old religion in Igboland?
Umuaro’s divisions had their root in the original disputed way of bringing the six villages together. Rivalries were papered over but festered below the surface. The arrival of the British added to the distrust and gave a focus for the differences in opinion. Christianity took a pragmatic approach that allowed the villagers to divert from the rules when it was convenient.
3. What is the meaning of the idiomatic saying, repeated several times, that when two brothers fight, a stranger reaps the harvest? Or when brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father's estate? What is the significance of this saying for the novel?
The villages do not stand together in a united front against the colonisers, and it allows them to profit. ‘Divide and Rule’ was a conscious strategy of Empire. Being aware of it sadly does not stop the villagers falling into the trap.
4. How does Achebe use idioms to communicate the novel's ultimate meaning? What are some of the sayings that stuck out for you as you read the novel? What did those sayings mean in the context of the passage? What do they mean for the novel's overall message?
The idioms add authenticity to the narrative and reveal what is going on. They are often quite striking and earthy, even vulgar, which reflects the approach of the male characters who speak them. Many of them are warnings about overreaching oneself - like “A man who knows that his anus is small does not swallow an udala seed” - this reflects the idea of the novel that Ezeulu’s pride brings about his fall.
5. Arrow of God offers the perspective of both the colonizer (the British officials) and the colonized (the Igbo people). How do they perceive each other? Why do they have such different interpretations of the same events? How do the two groups influence each other's behavior?
They misunderstand each other’s cultures, beliefs and motivations. The British see the colonised as ignorant and inferior, even when they are sympathetic it is in a patronising way. Winterbottom recognises Ezeulu’s status and authority but doesn’t understand how that relates to the kind of authority he holds for the villagers.
6. This book is part of a trilogy, have you read any other of the books? How does this one compare to the others?
I’ve read Things Fall Apart. I enjoyed both and think they complement each other well.
7. Does this book belong on the list? Your thoughts?
I think it belongs on the list, Achebe is an important African author and one of the first to offer the perspective of the colonised people. He’s also a powerful and skilful writer.
Mod
The arrow of God refers to the divine “power” wielded by certain people to shape their actions and their destiny. In this novel, it can be seen through at least two different gods: Ulu, in the case of the people of Umuaro; and God, in the case of the British colonisers and more specifically the missionaries working at converting the people of Igbo.
2. What are the various factors that lead to Umuaro's division and splintering? Why was Christianity so successful in replacing the old religion in Igboland?
The same factors that lead to any conflict on this planet: who has power and how they exercise it. Christianity acts as a wedge between the divided factions and as a “solution” to their problems when it allows them to avoid possible famine at the end of the novel.
3. What is the meaning of the idiomatic saying, repeated several times, that when two brothers fight, a stranger reaps the harvest? Or when brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father's estate? What is the significance of this saying for the novel?
Similar to my wedge description. Christianity reaped the benefits of the conflicts it witnessed in the novel by providing a solution to the “failings” of Ulu and its priest, preventing famine from a near-spoiled harvest.
4. How does Achebe use idioms to communicate the novel's ultimate meaning? What are some of the sayings that stuck out for you as you read the novel? What did those sayings mean in the context of the passage? What do they mean for the novel's overall message?
I’d also choose the one that Gail picked. I was actually surprised at times by how crude some of the proverbs were; it was a bit of an eye-opener for me that these people could be just as crude (if not cruder) as Westerners in their sayings.
5. Arrow of God offers the perspective of both the colonizer (the British officials) and the colonized (the Igbo people). How do they perceive each other? Why do they have such different interpretations of the same events? How do the two groups influence each other's behavior?
There’s obviously mutual distrust, but also some curiosity in finding out how the other lives. They see events through the filter of their education and their beliefs, hence the differing interpretations.
6. This book is part of a trilogy, have you read any other of the books? How does this one compare to the others?
I read Things Fall Apart quite some time ago. I recall enjoying it, but I would say that I enjoyed this one even more.
7. Does this book belong on the list? Your thoughts?
Definitely, as it is a window on African culture and on some of the issues arising from colonisation.
1. I agree with everyone else Arrow of God is the people who believe they are acting according to God's will and there are several of them. Ezeulu being the most notable for me.
2. Famine and familial rivalry. Ezeulu refusal to bend the rules to allow people to harvest Kolanut before he decrees it is time leads to hardship and hunger for all, this in turn leads to reinterpretation of the rules and the Christians use this weakness to "sell" their God who for a similar sacrifice will forgive all and allow the people to eat.
3. The fighting between the tribes and the different factions within the tribes allows the colonials to waltz in and take what they want, including souls converted to Christianity.
4. Had a library copy so haven't really noted anything.
5. The colonials see the Igbo as childlike, simple and superstitious they think that there ideas of social elevation will be the same and are confused when they are refused. The Igbo seem to be in awe of the "white man" and value those who can speak to them while at the same time they don't understand their values or their God. They come to an agreement when conversion can prevent starvation.
6.I have read Things Fall Apart which I can't really remember except I think I enjoyed it more than this one.
7. I am not sure Things Fall Apart for sure would but 2 we need 2 from the same trilogy or would a totally new perspective add more?
2. Famine and familial rivalry. Ezeulu refusal to bend the rules to allow people to harvest Kolanut before he decrees it is time leads to hardship and hunger for all, this in turn leads to reinterpretation of the rules and the Christians use this weakness to "sell" their God who for a similar sacrifice will forgive all and allow the people to eat.
3. The fighting between the tribes and the different factions within the tribes allows the colonials to waltz in and take what they want, including souls converted to Christianity.
4. Had a library copy so haven't really noted anything.
5. The colonials see the Igbo as childlike, simple and superstitious they think that there ideas of social elevation will be the same and are confused when they are refused. The Igbo seem to be in awe of the "white man" and value those who can speak to them while at the same time they don't understand their values or their God. They come to an agreement when conversion can prevent starvation.
6.I have read Things Fall Apart which I can't really remember except I think I enjoyed it more than this one.
7. I am not sure Things Fall Apart for sure would but 2 we need 2 from the same trilogy or would a totally new perspective add more?
4. "We have a saying that a man may refuse to do what is asked of him but may not refuse to be asked, but it seems the white man does not have that kind of saying where he comes from"6. I have read Things Fall Apart back in 2016 and couldn't praise it enough. I gave it five stars. When I read Arrow of God, however in 2019 I only gave it three stars and felt that I was inadequate because I could not appreciate it more. I didn't have the list that Kristel provided this time round, which may have helped me from being confused about all the different characters.
The good news is that I have been able to lay my hands on a copy of the book through inter-library loan! I just got it a few days ago, so I will not be finished before the end of the month. As well, my MiL is visiting right now, so I am squeezing a bit of reading in here and there. I appreciate the character list, Kristel. I was slightly confused by the two priests who have similar names. I thought the book would be a tough slog because of that and other Igbo words, but it has picked up now.
notes:
pg 100 last para
pg 189
just finished the book1. Who or what is the "arrow of God"? Is it possible to have different interpretations of this question and still lead to the same ideas about the novel?
I think Ezeulu is (or at least believed he was) the arrow of god.
2. What are the various factors that lead to Umuaro's division and splintering? Why was Christianity so successful in replacing the old religion in Igboland?
I don't feel that I have enough knowledge to answer that question. Obviously, colonialism completely disrupted these peoples way of life - but there may be other factors that I am unaware of.
I think Patrick answered the Christianity question well.
3. What is the meaning of the idiomatic saying, repeated several times, that when two brothers fight, a stranger reaps the harvest? Or when brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father's estate? What is the significance of this saying for the novel?
The ultimate significance is that because of Eleulu's stubborn and prideful act Christianity is able to seem like a good choice.
4. How does Achebe use idioms to communicate the novel's ultimate meaning? What are some of the sayings that stuck out for you as you read the novel? What did those sayings mean in the context of the passage? What do they mean for the novel's overall message?
This may be my favorite saying in the book (although there were many good ones): (Akuebue is telling Ezeulu that he is too hard on Okiba, after the whipping incident) - 'That is why we say that whatever tune you play in the compound of a great man there is always someone to dance to it."
5. Arrow of God offers the perspective of both the colonizer (the British officials) and the colonized (the Igbo people). How do they perceive each other? Why do they have such different interpretations of the same events? How do the two groups influence each other's behavior?
Neither parties understand the other - the British because they don't care too; and the Igbo people because they are too 'innocent' in their dealings with unscrupulous colonizers.
6. This book is part of a trilogy, have you read any other of the books? How does this one compare to the others?
Yes, I've read all three. They were all excellent, however I think I would rate them 1. Things Fall Apart, 2. Arrow of God, 3. No Longer at Ease
7. Does this book belong on the list? Your thoughts?
I think, without question, the complete trilogy should be on the list.
