Summary: Arrow of God

by Chika Udekwe

"Arrow of God" is a powerful and compelling novel by Chinua Achebe, one of Africa’s most celebrated authors. Set in pre-colonial Nigeria, the story follows the life of Ezeulu, the powerful and respected chief priest of the god Ulu. Ezeulu is torn between his duty to his people and his loyalty to the traditional ways of his ancestors, as he struggles to adapt to the changes brought by the British colonizers. The novel delves into the complex relationships between the British administrators and the Igbo people and explores themes of power, tradition, and identity. Achebe’s writing is evocative and masterful, painting a vivid picture of life in pre-colonial Africa and capturing the reader’s attention from the first page to the last. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African literature and history.

The themes in The Arrow of God

"Arrow of God" by Chinua Achebe explores several themes that are central to the story and its characters. Some of the most prominent themes in the novel include:

1. Power and control: The novel examines the different forms of power that exist in Igbo society and how they are wielded by various characters, including Ezeulu, the chief priest of the god Ulu, and the British colonizers. The theme of power and control is closely tied to the theme of tradition and change.

2. Tradition and change: The novel explores the tension between tradition and change as the Igbo people struggle to adapt to the new ways of the British colonizers. Ezeulu, in particular, is torn between his duty to his people and his loyalty to the traditional ways of his ancestors.

3. Identity: The novel examines the theme of identity as the Igbo people struggle to reconcile their traditional culture with the new ways of the British colonizers. The theme of identity is closely tied to the themes of power, tradition, and change.

4. Religion and Spirituality: The novel explores the role of religion and spirituality in Igbo society. The figure of Ezeulu as a high priest, and mediator between the people and the gods, his role in interpreting the gods' will, and the way his people interpret and relate to their gods is a central theme in the novel.

5. Colonization and resistance: The novel explores the theme of colonization and resistance as the Igbo people struggle to resist the British colonizers and maintain their autonomy. The theme of colonization and resistance is closely tied to the themes of power, tradition, and identity.

6. Culture and heritage: The novel explores the theme of culture and heritage as the Igbo people struggle to preserve their traditional way of life in the face of British colonization. The theme of culture and heritage is closely tied to the themes of tradition and identity.

These themes are interwoven throughout the novel and play a significant role in shaping the characters and the story as a whole.

Characterisation

"The Arrow of God" by Chinua Achebe features several complex and well-developed characters that play a central role in the story.

Ezeulu: The main character of the novel, Ezeulu is the powerful and respected chief priest of the god Ulu in an Igbo village. He is a proud and ambitious man who is deeply committed to his people and their traditional ways. He is torn between his duty to his people and his loyalty to the traditional ways of his ancestors. He is a man of great wisdom and insight, but his pride and stubbornness lead to his downfall.

Okafor: Okafor is Ezeulu's eldest son and heir, who is ambitious and eager to prove himself to his father. He is a man of great intelligence and resourcefulness, but his ambition and desire for power lead to his downfall.

Nwaka: Nwaka is the youngest of Ezeulu's sons, and is the most devout and spiritual of the family. He is a man of great wisdom and insight, but his devotion to his father and his people leads to his downfall.

Enoch: Enoch is the British District Commissioner who is tasked with overseeing the Igbo people. He is a man of great intelligence and resourcefulness, but his ambition and desire for power lead to his downfall.

The wives of Ezeulu: The wives of Ezeulu play a significant role in the novel. They are strong and independent women who are deeply committed to their husband and their people. They are also fiercely loyal to their traditional ways, and they work to preserve their culture and heritage in the face of British colonization.

These characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. They are shaped by their experiences and their environment, and their actions and decisions have a significant impact on the story and the themes of the novel.

Some proverbs in The Arrow of God

1. “The arrow of God is in the bush."
   This proverb suggests that God’s will or destiny is often hidden or obscured, but ultimately inescapable.

2. “When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers."
This proverb suggests that sometimes when we pray for something, we may get it, but it may end up causing us more harm than good.

3. “A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his greatness."
This proverb suggests that by showing respect to those who are powerful or successful, one may be able to gain their favor and ultimately achieve success.

4. “When a man is at war with himself, he is a danger to the whole community."
This proverb suggests that when a person is internally conflicted or struggles with self-doubt, it can be detrimental not only to themselves but also those around them.

5. “It is not for a bird to decide where to roost."
This proverb suggests that it is not up to an individual to decide their fate or destiny, but it is predetermined.

6. “A man who does not know where the rain began to beat him cannot say where he dried his body."
This proverb suggests that if someone is not aware of the origins of their troubles, they cannot know how to solve them.

7. “A man who says 'I am not afraid' is either a fool or a liar."
This proverb suggests that fear is a natural emotion and that anyone who claims to be complete without fear is either not being truthful or naive.

8. “A man who fights and runs away lives to fight another day."
This proverb suggests that retreating or withdrawing from a difficult situation is sometimes the best strategy, as it allows one to regroup and come back stronger.

9. “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
This proverb suggests that the wicked will always be afraid and hide, while the righteous will always be brave and face their challenges head-on.

10. “A leopard does not change its spots."
This proverb suggests that people do not change who they are and that their nature is fixed and unchanging.

11. “A man who has no enemies is either a weakling or a saint."
This proverb suggests that if someone has no enemies, it is likely because they are too weak to stand up for themselves or have done nothing to provoke anyone.

12. “A man who sees what is in front of him will always be a slave."
This proverb suggests that if someone only focuses on what is immediately in front of them and does not think about the future, they will be unable to make meaningful changes in their life.