The Complexity of Human Life
The human life is viewed as a complex entity that is made of different components some of which involve interactions with others. As such, human life is depicted as a part of existing patterns which are larger than the human beings. Notably, the culture depicts the complex entity that comprises different pattern produced by the interaction between different communities in which human beings act as the fundamental pieces. Therefore, the uniqueness of each individual adds up to the complexity and the beauty of the entire entity that represent the cultural uniqueness in the community. The types of associations and relationships formed by different individuals affect the overall characteristics of the communities. The novel “Arrow of God” by Achinu Achebe depicts this phenomenon whereby familial interaction by different family members results in the development of complex communities whereby each individual is deemed vital in the formation of a large society. The uniqueness of each individual is known to affect the overall characteristic of the community. In this paper, a critical analysis of Achinu Achebe`s Arrow of God will be undertaken based on a reflection on the topic self and beyond. Per se, the analysis will test the hypothesis that human being exists as parts of a kaleidoscope which is greater than them.
Interaction at the Family Level
In the topic “self and beyond”, human beings are portrayed as parts of complex patterns seen in the family. In this patterns, the human beings are seen to interact differently and form basic relationships that bring about bonding and a sense of security (Schmidt and Rees 288). Failure to achieve bonding triggers hate and insecurity. Notably, the type of relationships that are formed at the family level are seen to influence how human beings interact at the larger community level. Per se, ability to intimately relate and connect with the family members fosters the development of sound and conflict-free relationships with other family members. Conversely, poor familial relations result in thwarted community relationships thereby espousing conflicts. In the novel Arrow of God by Achebe, this phenomenon of how human beings exist as parts of a complex pattern that is larger than them is clearly presented. In the novel, Achebe presents the familial interaction between Ezeulu, his wives and children. All the family members are seen to interact following the sight of the moon (1). Ezeulu holds the thoughts that he might need to get help from his children in watching the moon as his father did due to old age. On the other hand, his senior and junior wives are conversing concerning the moon. Moreover, the children, Obiageli and Nwafo make jokes regarding the ability of the moon to kill (Achebe 1). The interaction between these family members outlines how each individual is fundamental to the wholeness of the family and how their interactions result in the development of bonds and a sense of security.
Individual Characteristics
Notably, Schmidt and Rees argue that the topic of self and beyond depict each individual as unique and having the ability to harbor dreams, secrets and thoughts that are not known to the others despite being part of a complex familial pattern (288). In the novel, while sited in his obi, Ezeulu is seen to contemplate the amount of power he possesses by being the Chief Priest (Achebe 2). Ezeulu is also seen to harbor the thought of how useless his power would be if he failed to announce regarding the coming feast. Likewise, Ezeulu holds bitter thoughts when praying after remembering the treatment he received from Omuato in relation to white man`s affair (Achebe 3). From this, it is evident that each individual in the society possesses unique attributes and characteristics despite being a part of the complex familial and societal system.
The Impact of Poor Interaction
Subsequently, the topic of self and beyond depicts that, poor interaction among the family members is seen to result in the development of conflicts (Schmidt and Rees 288). This is clearly evident in Achebe novel whereby, Ezeulu is seen to hold a quarrel with his son Edogo for allegedly carving the image of his gods (Achebe 21). On the other hand, while in their father`s house, Nwafa and his sister Obiageli engage in a quarrel that ends when their father intervenes. Besides, Akueke is depicted as one of Ezeulu`s daughter who lives alone in her deceased mothers` house following her separation from her husband after being beaten badly. In addition, the development of an insecure relationship between Akueke and her husband Ibe resulted in an abusive marriage where Akueke was beaten. As a means of saving Akueke, his brother Obika beats her husband Ibe to a point of almost killing him. These depict some of the profound effects of insecurity and failure to establish effective bonds at the family level.
Roles within the Family
Family dynamics depicted by the relationship between the parents and their children are clearly pictured out on the topic of self and beyond. In this topic, the different individuals are seen to undertake different roles in complex familial and social settings. Schmidt and Rees maintain that such dynamic relationships view fathers being the providers, protectors and individuals in authority (288). In the novel Arrow of God, Achebe presents Ezeulu as a family man having authority over his household. For instance, Ezeulu scolds his wife Matefi for not preparing the supper early enough (Achebe 25). Notably, the dynamics of the family and society depict women as submissive individuals who undertake the role of caring for the family. For example, Matefi is expected to undertake the role of fetching water and preparing food for her family. Failure to effectively undertake the socially constructed roles result in conflicts as seen when Ezeulu chides his wife Matefi for not preparing the meals early enough. Of importance, the topic of self and beyond views the parents as having varying roles towards their children. As such, nurturing of children is one of the roles undertaken by both mother and mothers as a means of inculcating the children into the cultural practices, norms and attitudes of their communities. This is clearly evident in Achebe`s novel whereby Ezeulu is seen to prepare his youngest son, Nwafo to take after him as the chief priest. Likewise, the parents nurture their children to become responsible adults who are united. For instance, in the novel “Arrow of God,” Achebe indicates that all the children gathered in Ezeulu`s Obi waiting to be directed on the duties to undertake. Likewise, Ezeulu is seen to send his son Oduche to school in order to learn concerning the ways of the white man after which he would come back to the community and use the attained skills in serving the community (Achebe 52). All these aspects depict the nurturing dynamic roles of parents as they interact with their children.
Membership in the Extended Family
In addition, in the topic “self and beyond” individuals are depicted as members of an extended family presented in their interactions in the community (Schmidt and Rees 288). Through this, human beings exist as a product of their personal, familial or even cultural characteristics. At members of an extended community family, human beings are seen to engage in common rituals, ceremonies and eating certain foods. These common aspects unify them and make them co-exist together as one community. The Arrow of God novel clearly presents this characteristic of human beings and how they co-exist as members of an extended community family. First, Ezeulu and his family live in a community that comprises six different villages (Achebe 88). These villages uphold similar customs such as rituals and festivals that are used in marking of seasons. For example, Ezeulu acts as the chief priest whereby he guides the people in rituals of worshiping Ulu their god. Notably, feasts associated with agricultural rhythms are observed by all community members living in Umuaro. Another notable ritual is the feast of new yam whereby, as the chief priest, Ezeulu is expected to announce the beginning of the feast. Having failure to announce the feast in three months results in rotting of crops and famine that resulted in hunger throughout the community. It is also vital to recognize that Ezeulu admonished the community members to remain steadfast in observing the norms of the community and not adhere to the colonial ideations. Achebe argues that the inability of the community members to observe and adhere to the advice given by Ezeulu made him punish them by not eating the yam for three months that resulted in famine throughout the community (88). Therefore, all these aspects depict the attributes that make human beings members of the extended family represented by the community. As an extended family, the members of the community undertake similar rituals and are confronted by the same problems which they ought to synergistically resolve. Of importance, the people of Umuaro are seen to join hand in the fight against a neighboring village, Okperi with the aim of regaining the ownership of a community land (Achebe 90). The fight involving all the community members indicates that individuals are part of a large community and must work together in addressing their common problems.
Haunted by the Past
It is imperative to note that, the topic of self and beyond present human beings as individuals who are haunted by the ghosts of the past such as familial, historical or even the cultural occurrences (Schmidt and Rees 288). This aspect is clearly evident in Achebe`s novel “the Arrow of God” whereby, the flashback of how Obika faced a light-skinned man who carried an elephant tusk and representing Eru, the wealth god depicts the thought of a historical event that had occurred three years earlier (4).
Conclusion
Conclusively, the novel “Arrow of God” presents the occurrence in one of the rural Nigerian communities. In the novel, the topic of self and beyond is well presented whereby the author presents a clear picture of how individuals act as fundamental parts of a larger entity. The family of Ezeulu is pictured out and how its members interact to form bonds. Similarly, some of the conflicts that arise are well presented owing to failed connections. Despite being members of a family, Ezeulu`s family is also part of the larger community that is confronted by similar characteristics such as rituals, ceremonies, and having a common god. Nevertheless, failure of the community members to observe the customs result in the disintegration of the unity in the community. Therefore, the hypothesis that human being exists as parts of a kaleidoscope which is greater than them is true.
Work cited
Achebe, Chinua. Arrow of God. Vol. 16. Heinemann, 1986.
Schmidt Zlotnik, Jan, and Carley Bogarad Rees. "Legacies: Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Nonfiction." (2006).
