Thesis and Literary Analysis

Thesis: Even though the African tribesmen allow the white missionaries to freely express their beliefs, their excessive tactics not only lead to their alienation but also to the rise of conflict between morals and religion in an attempt to protect their culture, causing the downfall of African tradition.

The alienation of the white missionaries depicts the distinct differences between the customs and religions of the Umuofia tribe compared to the white missionaries’. Since both sides contrast each other in terms of their morals and lifestyle, a tribesman directs Mr. Smith, urging that “he does not understand our customs, just as we do not understand his. We say he is foolish because he does not know our ways, and perhaps he says we are foolish because we do not know his” (Achebe 164). The alienation of the two sides portrays the difference in morals and customs between them. The stark rejection shows the determination of the African tribesmen to protect their autonomy and their values by denying another culture’s customs and beliefs. Furthermore, the negative reaction of the African tribesmen asserts that the merging of the two cultures causes conflict. After Mr. Brown finally wins some converts from the tribe, the “clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart” (Achebe 152). The dark tone that is created ominously explains that the two cultures are unable to unite because one of them will be destroyed. Thus, the alienation is seen as a necessity to defend each of the culture’s identity, since neither are capable of coalescing.

I think my paragraph is able to answer my thesis because it addresses the opinions of each of the sides. Based on those opinions, you can infer that the reputation between each side is negative. Because of that, conflict can occur because of their differences. I explained that in my paragraph. Through my commentary, I elaborated more on the alienation of the white missionaries and why it is necessary. The alienation is seen as a mechanism to fight back whatever is trying to stain their existence, their identity, and their beliefs.