What do the drums symbolize in Things Fall Apart?

In the Igbo culture, drums are reflecting intense emotions of the tribe. The drums are present during every communal event from wrestling matches to funerary celebrations. This drum beat brings the Igbo people together representing a symbol of unity.

What do yams symbolize in Things Fall Apart?

Seen as a masculine crop, the yams are an indication of the patriarchal society and separation between the genders. It creates a village where women are dependent on the yam farming men to provide for them. Second, yams symbolise sustenance and a way of life.

What does Nwoye symbolize?

Achebe uses Nwoye to symbolize the innocence and sympathy that is found in the Igbo people. Nwoye’s youth and curiosity leads him to question the views of the Igbo. The introduction of Christianity gives him a new view on the customs of his people.

How is fire a symbol in Things Fall Apart?

While fire symbolizes the masculine impulse to fight and protect one’s land, ash symbolizes effeminacy, compromise, and, ultimately, the worthless remains of something that has been destroyed.

What does the locusts symbolize in Things Fall Apart?

The locusts’ destruction of the Igbo’s land symbolizes and foreshadows the way the white settlers will exploit the Igbo’s land and resources later in the novel.

What does the kola nut symbolize in Things Fall Apart?

The kola nut is broken and eaten when a host welcomes a guest into his home, and it’s a powerful symbol of mutual respect and community. Men are deemed worthy of sharing the kola when they demonstrate their commitment to tribal values and customs.

What are cowries in Things Fall Apart?

Here are some of my interesting takeaways: Cowries as Currency – A lot of cowries are exchanged. Bags of them. They are used to buy crops, pay for dowries and bail people out of jail.

What does Okonkwo death symbolize?

Okonkwo’s death symbolized the “falling apart” of the village, not widespread peace, a form of pacification. “Pacification” is what the man did the exact opposite of when he arrived with the missionaries.

What does impotent ash mean?

“Living fire begets cold, impotent ash (P. 153).” This metaphor means that no matter how strong, fierce, mean, or manly you are, in the end you’re going to beget a weak, and effeminate son unlike you. So Okonkwo decides that he was the roaring flame and that his son is the cold, impotent ash.

What do cowrie shells symbolize?

Wherever the cowrie shells are found, they almost always symbolize wealth and fertility. Spiritual meaning. In African legend, a love of cowrie shells shows that you could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth.

What is Iguedo Things Fall Apart?

Most of the story takes place in the fictional village of Iguedo, which is in the Umuofia clan. The place name Iguedo is only mentioned three times in the novel. Achebe more frequently uses the name Umuofia to refer to Okonkwo’s home village of Iguedo.

What is the Ozo title in Things Fall Apart?

The first title a man could take is Ozo. In order to take this title a man must earn a certain amount of riches. The Ozo title also allows that man to be a part of the traditional ruling council. One way of gaining others’ respect is through possession of material goods like barns, many yams, and even multiple wives.

What do puka shells symbolize?

The Puka Shell

It is said that the shells were thought to provide protection to sailors. Finding a Puka shell is also seen as good luck, with the more symmetrical the shell, the better your luck would be.

What does a seashell symbolize?

Seashells are often associated with love and fertility. In some cases, the seashell can be seen as symbolic of female genitalia. Medieval Christian traditions associate seashells with pilgrims. In some new age traditions, seashells are used to symbolize the unconscious and are associated with emotions.

What does shells in dreadlocks mean?

For instance, cowrie shells were a form of currency in Nigeria and were also used for divination. So, if you are from a place where cowrie shells mean wealth, fertility, and prosperity, carry your jewelry like a crown!

What are puka beads?

Puka is the Hawaiian word for “hole” and refers to the naturally occurring hole in the middle of these rounded and worn shell fragments. These natural beads are made into necklaces. Numerous inexpensive imitations are now widely sold as puka shell necklaces.

What does a puka necklace mean?

Hawaiians typically give puka necklaces to wish the recipient goodwill or good luck. If given to a sailor, a puka necklace is supposed to help bring him home safely.

What are the VSCO shell necklaces called?

Puka shells are small, white pieces of shell that are strung along a chain, usually choker length or slightly longer; the necklaces most offer sit just on or slightly above the collar bone.

Do people still wear puka necklaces?

Puka shell necklaces are having a comeback, bringing back the fourth grade post-vacation style that was so popular in grade school. It was like our resort wear, if you will. Almost everyone owned a puka shell necklace while growing up.

What are surfer necklaces called?

Learn how to make a simple yet cool surfer necklace. Hawaiian leis are a symbol of love, empathy, and Aloha. They’re used on many occasions, especially at weddings, graduations, welcoming events, and parties.

What are heishi beads?

Heishe or heishi (pronounced “hee shee”) are small disc- or tube-shaped beads made of organic shells or ground and polished stones. They come from the Kewa Pueblo people (formerly Santo Domingo Pueblo) of New Mexico, before the use of metals in jewelry by that people.

What is Puka about?

: a small usually perforated wave- and beach-polished shell fragment formed from the spire of a cone (genus Conus), found along beaches of Pacific Islands, and used especially to make necklaces.