Although not indicated in this chapter, the events of Things Fall Apart take place in the late 1800s and early 1900s, just before and during the early days of the British Empire's expansion in Nigeria. The novel depicts details about life in an African culture much different from Western culture. In this chapter, Achebe reveals the following aspects of Igbo culture:
- Legends and traditions (the fight with a spirit of the wild by the founder of their village)
- Symbols of honor (titles)
- Indicators of wealth (yams, cowries)
- Marriage customs (more than one wife)
- The reckoning of time (markets, a week of four days)
- Social rituals (kola nuts, alligator pepper, chalk, small talk, and proverbs)
- Music, entertainment, food, and drink
In his goal to demonstrate the complexity and sophistication of Igbo society, Achebe gradually introduces these details when they are relevant to the story.
