Thesis Statement Assignment

Prompt: With reference to Things Fall Apart, show how sub-plots or secondary characters contribute to the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the work as a whole.

Individual Points:

The conflict of religion, showcased in the latter part of the story, is exercised mainly through secondary characters and subplots. For example, Nwoye’s decision to convert, Enoch killing the sacred python, and the whole subplot of the church and the village
Ikemefuna as a secondary character, his killing showcases Okonkwo’s devotion to his culture; he puts his personal feelings aside. Also, his killing puts a strain on Okonkwo’s and Nwoye’s relationship. Furthermore, Ikemefuna, an innocent in the conflict, is killed for a crime he had no part in. This showcases the harsher side of Ibo culture
Ekwefi and her daughter Ezinma: their subplot, involving the idea of Ogbanje children. This subplot showcases yet another aspect of Ibo culture and religion. Various ideas on how to deal with Ogbanje children are shown in this subplot.

Thesis Statement: Through its use of secondary characters and subplots, Things Fall Apart enables its audience to know and understand aspects of the Ibo culture and religion, which allows them to further appreciate Chinua Achebe’s work in the context it was written in.

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