Modern African Philosophy
In a 500 word essay answer the following questions:
The story opens with a debate between Mr. Goodcountry and Unachukwu (pp. 219-220). What is the central conflict between them about?
After listening to both sides of the argument, Oduche makes an important decision about killing the python (p. 221). What does the python represent? What does the way in which Oduche goes about this task reveal about what he is thinking and where his loyalties lie? Note the specifics of how he kills the python. (This is very important and symbolically relevant).
Note the different reactions to the killing of the python by both Ezeulu and Edogo (p. 222). What does this tell you about the generational differences in how traditional African culture is viewed?
What does Achebe suggest about the future of traditional African beliefs and the Ibo cultural identity? Will it survive Christianity and British colonialism? If so, how must Africans treat these traditional beliefs if they want them to survive? The way Oduche treated the python?
Finally, can you think of a current modern-day context where these same issues are apparent? Note briefly.
