Character Analysis: Chielo

·      In normality, Chielo is a widow with two children and an ordinary woman of the Igbo community. But, she is also the priestess of Umuofia who is dedicated to the oracle of the goddess Agbala. When the power of prophecy comes to her she is possessed by the godhead. She is one of the most powerful figures of the clan; no important decisions can be made without her approval.

·        Chielo is a vitally important addition to the novel that as the priestess, not only represents the importance of religion and spirituality in the Igbo community, but how women can have an important role, a role that is in charge of making drastic decisions and guiding the community.

·       Achiebe recalls near the beginning of the novel that in Okonkwo’s childhood “the priestess in those days was a woman called Chika. She was full of the power of her god, and she was greatly feared” (17). This demonstrates that the priestess in the Igbo culture was feared and heavily respected, as they believed she could communicate with the god. This makes the reader infer Chielo’s power and respect.

·       Chielo is introduced as “the priestess of Agbala, the oracle of the hill and the caves” (49). As a priestess, it is Chielo’s duty to communicate with the oracle of the hill and the caves, Agbala, and follow what she desires. Chielo is considered a different person when Agbala “possesses her” and makes important decisions that must be followed for the prosperity of the village. “ At one stage Ekwefi was so afraid that she nearly called out Chielo for companionship and human sympathy. What she had seen was the shape of a man climbing a palm tree, his head pointing to the earth and his legs skywards. But at that very moment Chielo’s voice rose again in her possessed chanting, and Ekwefi recoiled, because there was no humanity there. It was not the same Chielo who sat with her in the market and sometimes bought beancakes for Ezinma, whom she called her daughter. It was a different woman – the priestess of Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and Caves. Ekwefi trudged along between two fears “ (11.62). This quote demonstrates Chielo’s full devotion to religion, and how she transforms into the fearful god Agbala when she fuly connects with the spiritual world.

·       Chielo is very fond of most of the women in the village because of her generous and nice attitude. She is particularly fond with Enzima, daughter of Ekwefi and Okonkwo, which she meets during a wrestling match in the village.

·       There is an episode during the novel where Chielo comes to get Enzima, as she says that the oracle of the Hills and Caves, Agbala, whishes to speak with her.  She carries Enzima in her back for miles in order to purify her and appease the gods. We are told in the novel, "Okonkwo pleaded with her to come back in the morning because Ezinma was now asleep. But Chielo ignored what he was trying to say and went on shouting that Agbala wanted to see his daughter . . . The priestess screamed. 'Beware, Okonkwo!' she warned" (101). There is no point in the novel were Okonkwo plead with anyone, male or female, for any reason. Chielo not only orders Oknonkwo to give their daughter, but she threatens him and he obeys. This is evidence that religion is respected in the community, and the priestess, being the major representation of spirituality, is obeyed and feared.

·       Ekwefi, wife of Okonkwo and mother to Enzima, decides to follow Chielo because she was afraid the priestess would harm her daughter.  “And then the priestess screamed. “Somebody is walking behind me!” she said. “Whether you are spirit or man, may Agbala shave your head with a blunt razor! May he twist your neck until you see your heels! “Ekwefi stood rooted to the spot. One mind said to her: “Woman, go home before Agbala does you harm.” But she could not. “ (11.56-57). This intense threat by Chielo causes immediate fear towards Ekwefi and she things twice before continuing to defy a choice made by the oracle. This once again demonstrates Chielo’s role in the community as a harsh religious leader and decision maker.