Things Fall Apart Chapter 18

Initially, the church and the clan in Mbanta remain separate, with the villagers expecting the Christians to weaken and die due to their location in the dreaded forest. However, tensions arise when converts proclaim the death of traditional gods and attempt to burn shrines, leading to severe beatings. Rumors spread of the church establishing its own government, but the villagers remain indifferent until conflicts arise regarding the treatment of the osu, outcasts forbidden to marry or cut their hair. When the church welcomes osu converts, protests erupt among other converts, but Mr. Kiaga defends their inclusion, leading to the osu becoming dedicated members of the congregation.

A year later, an osu convert named Okoli is accused of killing the sacred python, leading to a gathering of clan rulers and elders to decide on a punishment. Okonkwo advocates for violence, but the elders opt for exclusion of church members from clan activities. Despite Okoli's denial and subsequent illness preventing him from defending himself, his death is seen as divine retribution, leading the villagers to agree not to harass the Christians further.

[briannawoodall]

Awesome book I don't really like it.