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Things Fall Apart Nwoye Quotes Analysis

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Grace Brunetti Ms.Kennelly English 4 4 March 2023 The Name Change Would you change your name to display your change in beliefs? Well in the book Things Fall Apart, the character Nwoye does exactly that. The significance of Nwoye changing his name to Isaac is that it is a Christian name that is related to the idea of sacrifice. Nwoye’s switch in belief is an example of an allusion in the book. In the book Things Fall Apart, Nwoye changed his name to Issac to show the switch in his beliefs. “...Nwoye had been attracted to the new faith from the very first day…” (Achebe 148). The new faith discussed in the quote is Christianity. Nwoye has grown up to believe in the Igbo religion which speaks of multiple gods, spirits and agriculture. Everyone tries very hard to stick to the rules of their religion even though it entails some ethically questionable practices. When he hears about Christianity he is not only fascinated but starts to believe in the teachings as well. The reader can allude to Nwoye’s new name being connected to his new beliefs. Therefore he changes his name to Issac, a biblical figure, to display his …show more content…

“...his father, suddenly overcome with fury, sprang to his feet and gripped him by the neck. ‘Where have you been?’ he stammered… ‘Answer me,’ roared Okonkwo, ‘before I kill you!’” (Achebe 151). Okonkwo finds out that Nwoye has been spending time with Christians. This angers Okonkwo so much that he physically starts hurting Nwoye which is historically tolerated in the Igbo culture. He has grown up with Okonkwo being violent towards him and his family. The reader can allude that Nwoye is drawn to Christianity’s condemnation of violence. Therefore when he hears that Christianity is a lot less violent and is displayed more calmer in the readings that are given around the village, Nwoye is immediately sold on the idea of

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