Language

This novel explores the concept of language and how it is an important part of culture and its growth. Achebe shows in the novel that knowledge and information are passed between villagers through stories and proverbs, and these stories inform the children of the village in order to maintain tradition and values. An example is when Ekwefi, Okonkwo's second wife, tells the family the story of the origin of the tortoise and why its shell is not smooth. Although the story is simply entertaining, it brings the family and the village together and teaches important life lessons. Language in the novel shows the importance of preserving tradition and upholding the customs of the village.