Social Structure:
* Patriarchal society: Men hold most positions of power, with women relegated to domestic roles.
* Clan and kinship: Strong emphasis on kinship ties and lineage, with respect and loyalty owed to family and community.
* Age grades: A system of social organization based on age, with different responsibilities and privileges assigned to each grade.
* Title-holding: A way to gain status and power through acquiring titles and demonstrating achievement, often through feats of strength or wealth.
Religious Beliefs and Practices:
* Polytheistic religion: The Igbo believe in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with specific powers and domains.
* Ancestral spirits: Great respect is paid to the spirits of ancestors, believed to have influence over the living.
* Oracle and divination: The Oracle of the Hills, a powerful figure who embodies the voice of the gods, is consulted for guidance and prophecy.
* Ritual and tradition: Life is filled with elaborate rituals and ceremonies for various events, such as harvests, marriages, and funerals.
Daily Life and Customs:
* Agriculture and farming: Farming is the main source of livelihood, with yams being a key crop.
* Trade and commerce: Markets are vibrant centers of trade and social interaction.
* Family and community: The community is strong and tightly knit, with shared responsibilities and a strong sense of belonging.
* Music, storytelling, and dancing: These are important parts of daily life and serve to entertain, educate, and preserve cultural traditions.
Okonkwo's Life and the Impact of Colonialism:
* Okonkwo's struggle: The novel explores Okonkwo's ambition to rise above his father's legacy and achieve greatness within the traditional social structure.
* Impact of colonization: The arrival of the British and the imposition of colonial rule disrupts the traditional Igbo way of life, causing conflict and turmoil.
* Cultural clash: The novel highlights the clash between traditional Igbo beliefs and values and those imposed by the colonizers.
Overall, Achebe's description of life in *Things Fall Apart* provides a compelling portrait of a complex and vibrant society on the brink of change. He portrays the richness of Igbo culture, the strength of its social fabric, and the devastating consequences of colonial intervention.