The Impact of Missionaries in "Things Fall Apart"

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Christianity, as the largest religion globally, continues to seek converts daily. In Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," the characters Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith embody white missionaries with the common goal of converting the natives of Umoufia to Christianity. However, their differing approaches contribute to the chaos that ensues, and understanding their roles in Igbo society is crucial in determining primary responsibility for the fall of Umoufia.

Religious Influence on Umuofians

The religious views of the Umuofians played a significant role in their downfall since religion served as the foundation of their society.

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Everything the Umuofians did was influenced by their religious beliefs. Recognizing this, Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith employed various strategies to gain influence in the Umuofian clan and supplant the natives' religious views with their own.

Mr. Brown, one of the first missionaries, adopted a peaceful and affable approach, understanding that a frontal attack on the clan would not succeed (166). This earned him respect, symbolized by the gift of a carved elephant tusk, a sign of great dignity and rank (164).

He established a hospital and a school, attracting converts through the promise of literacy and generous gifts (166). Mr. Brown's passive mindset facilitated the conversion of the Umuofians to Christianity, creating a positive perception of the religion.

In contrast, Mr. Smith, succeeding Mr. Brown, imposed his religion harshly, allowing no room for error in understanding Christian beliefs. He openly condemned Mr. Brown's policy of compromise and accommodation, believing in a narrow and uncompromising interpretation of Christianity (169). Mr. Smith's rigid approach led to suspension of converts and strained relationships with the clan, making him less successful than Mr.

Brown in gaining influence.

Handling Native Beliefs

Upon arriving in Umoufia, Mr. Brown faced the challenge of promoting Christianity while addressing the native beliefs of the Umuofians. Mr. Brown, aware of the importance of native beliefs, made friends with influential clan members and engaged in discussions about their faiths. One such friend, Akunna, provided valuable insights into the clan's religion, guiding Mr. Brown's decisions. Mr. Brown's approach of working with the Umuofian belief system, rather than against it, helped in winning converts to Christianity.

Had Mr. Brown not been afflicted by poor health, he might have achieved his conversion goals. However, Mr. Smith, inheriting the role, rejected Mr. Brown's approach. Intolerant of Umuofian customs, Mr. Smith believed indigenous myths were spread by the Devil (170). His close-mindedness and rejection of native beliefs resulted in conflicts, such as the burning of the church after a convert disrupted a traditional ceremony (171). Mr. Smith's bigotry contributed to the Umuofians disapproving of Christianity.

Assessing Responsibility for Umoufia's Fall

Mr. Brown bears primary responsibility for the downfall of Umoufia. His ability to socially connect with the Umuofians, creating relationships that provided him with status, allowed him to appear amiable and genial. However, the Umuofians' naive belief in Mr. Brown's good intentions proved false, as both missionaries ultimately sought the same goal. The downfall of Umoufia can be attributed to the Umuofians' own foolishness in trusting missionaries with conflicting motives.

The impact of missionaries in "Things Fall Apart" goes beyond the clash of religions; it delves into the complexities of cultural assimilation, power dynamics, and the consequences of societal transformation. By examining the contrasting approaches of Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith, we gain insights into the intricate web of factors that led to Umoufia's demise.

Moreover, Achebe's narrative serves as a commentary on the collision of traditions and external influences, highlighting the vulnerability of indigenous societies to the encroachment of foreign ideologies. The characters of Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith become symbolic representations of the broader forces at play, reflecting the broader theme of cultural disintegration.

In the context of the novel, Umoufia is a microcosm of the larger Igbo society facing the challenges of colonialism. The arrival of Christian missionaries represents a pivotal moment in the history of Umoufia, marking the beginning of a profound shift in its cultural and religious landscape. This transformation is not just a religious conversion but a multifaceted alteration that encompasses social, economic, and political dimensions.

Mr. Brown's initial success in gaining the trust and respect of the Umuofians underscores the power dynamics inherent in the missionary endeavor. The calculated decision to avoid a frontal attack on the clan demonstrates an astute understanding of the delicate balance that needs to be maintained when introducing a foreign belief system into an established society.

While Mr. Brown's approach may be perceived as manipulative, it is essential to recognize the agency of the Umuofians in accepting or rejecting the new faith. Their openness to Mr. Brown's strategies reflects a certain vulnerability to external influences, perhaps stemming from a curiosity about the unknown or a desire for the perceived benefits associated with the missionary presence.

As Umoufia undergoes a gradual transformation, the clash between indigenous beliefs and Christianity becomes more pronounced. Achebe intricately weaves the narrative to depict the complexity of cultural encounters. The interactions between Mr. Brown and Akunna exemplify the tentative bridge built between two belief systems. Through their conversations, Achebe highlights the potential for mutual understanding and coexistence, as opposed to outright confrontation.

However, the fragility of this bridge becomes apparent with the arrival of Mr. Smith. His uncompromising and rigid stance reflects the darker side of missionary zeal, where cultural arrogance takes precedence over dialogue and understanding. The rejection of Mr. Brown's policy of compromise and accommodation sets the stage for a collision of beliefs that ultimately contributes to the downfall of Umoufia.

The handling of native beliefs becomes a critical factor in the success or failure of missionary efforts. Mr. Brown's willingness to engage with the Umuofian customs and beliefs demonstrates a level of cultural intelligence that goes beyond mere conversion. His openness to dialogue creates an environment where Christianity is not seen as a threat to the existing way of life but as a supplement that can coexist with indigenous practices.

In contrast, Mr. Smith's intolerance and dismissal of Umuofian customs reveal a narrow-minded approach that disregards the rich tapestry of Igbo culture. The suspension of converts and the confrontations during traditional ceremonies further exacerbate the tension between the two belief systems. The clash reaches its zenith with the burning of the church, a symbolic act of resistance against the encroachment of foreign religious dogma.

The responsibility for Umoufia's fall is not solely borne by the missionaries; it is a shared burden with the Umuofians themselves. The initial openness and acceptance of Christianity, as seen in Mr. Brown's era, indicate a degree of agency on the part of the indigenous people. However, this agency is tinged with a certain vulnerability, exploited by the missionaries to further their agenda.

As Umoufia grapples with the repercussions of embracing Christianity, Achebe's narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of cultural encounters. The clash between traditional values and external influences is not a simplistic narrative of victimhood but a nuanced exploration of the choices made by individuals and communities in the face of change.

In conclusion, the fall of Umoufia in "Things Fall Apart" is a result of a complex interplay of religious, cultural, and societal factors. While Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith play pivotal roles in this narrative, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Umuofians themselves, who grapple with the consequences of embracing external influences without fully understanding the ramifications. Achebe's work stands as a poignant exploration of the fragility of cultural identity in the face of relentless change.