One of the chief thematic ideas portrayed in this chapter revolves around the persistent religious struggle that is taking place within the village. We are also introduced to a new character, Reverend James Smith, who goes on to replace Mr. Brown. Reverend Smith is described as being far more strict and rigid than Mr Brown, and insists that the tribe should abandon their tribal beliefs and make the conversion to Christianity. While there are many people that oppose Reverend Smith's complete disregard for their tribal past, there are some members that favor the new change. One member in particular, Enoch, has been swayed so severely that he threatens to unmask a member of the egwugwu. With Enoch's conversion being the final straw that broke the camels back, the tribal members furiously approach Reverend Smith and demand that the Church be done away with in order to restore the tribe back to their traditional religious roots. Reverend Smith stands his ground and stays true to his uncompromising ways. In response to Smith's harsh actions, the tribesmen burn the church even though they were deliberately told to leave it alone.
Are the tribesmens' actions justifiable? Was it a mistake to bring in Reverend Smith when Mr. Brown had already began to develop a good relationship with the tribe?
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