Question

In Things Fall Apart how does Uchendu establish his authority when he addresses Okonkwo?

Answer 1

Uchendu establishes his authority through wisdom and status, and Achebe's work speaks to universal experiences of colonialism. Colonialism has affected historical narratives by prioritizing the colonizer's perspective.

Step-by-step explanation:

Uchendu, in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, establishes his authority when addressing Okonkwo by drawing on his age, wisdom, and status within the clan. He embodies the voice of reason and experience, contrasting against Okonkwo's current despair and impulsive nature. Uchendu's counsel highlights the importance of kinship and perspective in Igbo culture, acting as a pivotal moment that challenges Okonkwo's understanding of strength and masculinity.

As to your question regarding how Chinua Achebe's words might be summed up: Achebe suggests that stories, including those like Things Fall Apart, have universal resonance because they speak to shared experiences of colonization and cultural dispossession.

Colonialism has influenced the writing of history by often marginalizing or disregarding the perspectives and narratives of the colonized. It has presented a biased version of history that prioritizes the colonizer's viewpoint, frequently downplaying the complexity and richness of indigenous histories.

Answer 2

In Things Fall Apart, Uchendu establishes his authority when he addresses Okonkow by calling his sons, daughters and then Okonkwo, who is is nephew, togeteher. He puts forth a challenge to any of them to speak up of they believe they know more than he does. None of them speak up at that time. Then, he asks Okonkwo a question that he does not know the answer to, when Okonkwo replies that he doesn't know the answer, uchendu calls Okonkwo a child.