Proverbs Project

By Kai Watts
"Okonkwo was as slippery as a fish in
water."(Achebe 1)
 Proverb Explanation
This proverb is meant to describe
Okonkwo as being fast and agile such
as a fish. The simple purpose of this
proverb is to give a visual
representation understanding of
Okonkwo’s abilities. This is important
to the book because it is
characterization. It describes some of
his characteristics that are important
to who he is as a person.
"Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are
eaten." (Achebe 1)
 Proverb Explanation
While this proverb being more complex than
the last, it is still noticeable as a great
proverb. This proverb shows that palm-oil is
the lifeblood of Umuofia. This shows that
“Eating words” is a simple way of saying
gaining knowledge. Basically, this shows that
proverbs are necessary and that they help the
reader gain knowledge. This is important to
the novel because it shows the importance of
how these people speak. They use proverbs
because it gives a man intelligence, as they
believe.
"Living fire begets cold, impotent ash."
( Achebe 16 )
 Proverb Explanation
The “living fire” has to do with someone’s
ego and success. The proverb itself means
that if someone is powerful and successful,
then the man next to him shall not succeed
in the same fashion. That is what is meant by
“cold, important ash.” This is important to the
novel because it shows the thinking of many
of the higher ups in the community. It shows
that only one can succeed while the other
fails. It shows the way that this community
and village function as well as how they view
people who are close.