Proverbs in Things Fall Apart
“Among the Ibo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palmoil with which words are eaten” (Achebe 7).
Proverb
N: a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people.
Types of Proverbs
Biblical – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” {Treat others the way you would like to be treated.}
Literary – “To thine own self be true.” (Hamlet <3)
{Do not try to be someone you are not.}
Cultural – “Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
{It is better to ask for instruction than to go ahead and fail or get lost.}
Proverb of Experience – “A stitch in time saves nine.” {Take the time to do something right the first time do avoid having to redo it.}
Directions: Discuss the significance of the following proverbs in Chapters 1-3, by: 1) Translating the proverb into
your own words, and 2) thoroughly explaining each proverb and defining its meaning in the context of the chapter.
1. “He who brings kola brings life” (6). (Kola is a mild stimulant, comparable to tea or
coffee, which is served on most social occasions.)
1.
2.
2. “Our elders say that the sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those
who kneel under them” (8).
1.
2.
3. “When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk” (10).
1.
2.
4. “A man who pays respect for the great paves the way for his own greatness” (19).
1.
2.
5. “An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb” (21).
1.
2.
6. Now, explain what Achebe’s overall purpose in including Ibo proverbs could be.