Things Fall Apart #2

     In part two of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe we see the change of religion Nwoye decides to take which was foreshadowed in the being of the book. This is evident when we see him doubt the rules that were to be followed in the religion of his community. For example, Nwoye at moments felt a disconnection and disagreement towards the religion when remembering that they killed innocent twin babies and his brother Ikemefuna even though they had nothing to blame for. Knowing this makes Nwoye, not like the beliefs that this religion is created with. During part two of the book, Nwoye becomes Christian after feeling this touch in him when hearing about this God who created everyone and everything. This one God who doesn't want the death of the people nor sacrifices in his honor. He doesn't ask for anything except the peace in the world and goodness of the people. Nwoye since the beginning of the book he had his own beliefs which were not revealed until finding the people who valued the same things he did. Christianity made him feel confident of who he actually was as a person.
     However, what mainly catches my attention of this change in Nwoye is the way the author, Achebe uncovers it. On part two of the novel, Achebe wrote, "His name was Nwoye, Okonkwo's first son"(Achebe 147). This quote signifies the new person Nwoye has become. The reader already knew who Nwoye was and the book had already mentioned him several times, however, the author seemed to introduce him as if he were to be a new character. He was seen as if the reader knew nothing about him. The truth is that the author introduced Nwoye again not to remember who he is, but to understand the change taking place in him. Nwoye now is a Christian with beliefs and values he feels confident about. He has nothing to hide nor to be afraid of being rejected. Nwoye has escaped from a culture he didn't understand and has a religion he favors. Achebe releases this idea straightforward, however, adds the evidence directly and indirectly. It fascinates me how you have to interpret something the author wrote in order to understand its true significance.