Question

African proverbs in Things Fall Apart: In the spaces below, list 8 African proverbs found in the novel. On a separate page, create a colorful full-page illustration of one of the proverbs.

Answer 1

The novel 'Things Fall Apart' contains numerous African proverbs that convey Igbo wisdom and reflect the novel's themes. Eight such proverbs have been listed and a suggestion for a colorful full-page illustration of the proverb 'If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings' has been described.

Step-by-step explanation:

The novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is replete with African proverbs that enhance the storytelling and impart wisdom. The proverbs are drawn from Igbo culture and often reflect the themes of the novel, such as the complexities of life, the importance of community, and the impact of colonialism. Here are eight proverbs from the book:

• "When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk."
• "A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness."
• "If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings."
• "The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did."
• "When a man says yes, his chi (personal god) says yes also."
• "A man who makes trouble for others is also making trouble for himself."
• "The sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those who kneel under them."
• "If one finger brought oil it soiled the others."

For a full-page illustration, consider depicting the proverb: "If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings." This implies that one's social status can be elevated through personal effort and cleanliness, both literal and metaphorical. A colorful illustration could show a child cleansing his hands under a stream of water, with the silhouettes of kings or elders in the background, indicating the potential for upward social mobility and respect.

Achebe's use of proverbs is a way to bring traditional Igbo wisdom to a global audience, and to show the richness of African oral traditions. The proverbs serve a dual purpose in the novel: they contribute to the authentic portrayal of the culture and also provide universal insights applicable beyond the Igbo context.