Chapter seven. What do the stories told by mothers and fathers show about the villagers' belief system? What is the purpose of these stories?

The stories told by the mothers and fathers of Umuofia serve to pass cultural values from parents to children.  However, it is important to note the difference between the stories told by Okonkwo and the stories told by Nwoye's mother.  Okonkwo's stories emphasize masculinity and violence.  These values are present in Igbo culture, but Okonkwo takes these values to the extreme.  Nwoye's mother tells stories such as the story of the turtle, which discourages greed and deception.  This story is similar to stories told in American culture as well.  It resembles Aesop's Fables.  Both sets of stories are told in order to teach children appropriate and acceptable ways to behave in their society.  Nwoye, in particular, misses his mother's stories when he begins to listen to his father's stories in his hut.