PROVERBS IN
THINGS FALL APART
Why are they used? : To express their culture through imagery of words. It is a representation of how
language can be as simple as a phrase yet complex as for the meaning.
"Our elders say that the sun will shine on those
who stand before it shines on those who kneel
under them." (Chapter 1)
=> How it’s used in the scene
Okoye came to Unoka to claim back the yams Unoka
had borrowed from him using proverbs. Unoka
responded back with a proverb of his own as a
saying that he will return the yams to the one he’s
owed the most first.
=> Can it be used in the modern life?
The core of this saying from what I’m getting in this
context is that one who is found to be more generous
will receive great things as he stands up. This is
proven to be true in the modern life as givers tend to
gain good reputation especially with the help of
social media.
"Looking at the king's mouth, one would think
he never sucked at his mother breasts"
(Chapter 4)
=> How it’s used in the scene
Okonkwo never felt as weak as this before
since he was a little baby, because he is now
big and strong. Okonkwo was scared of being
vulnerable like when he was young.
=> Can it be used in the modern life?
Yes, because everyone can feel weak at every
time, also in modern life, even though they are
now strong and stable.
"When a man says yes his chi says yes also."
(Chapter 4)
=> How it’s used in the scene
A man's spirit, or chi, will lead him and
motivate him to achieve whatever mission is
at hand as soon as he sets his mind to it.
=> Can it be used in the modern life?
This teaches us about using emotion rather
than logical thinking. This might be useful for
modern people to follow, because, nowadays,
people are using less emotion to decide the
decision than in the past.