The excerpt from Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" reflects the perspective of Indigenous people grappling with the impacts of colonialism and the introduction of Christianity. The text suggests that instead of bringing Nigerian ethnic groups together, Christianity actually contributed to a division among them. It highlights the tension and conflict created when local customs and beliefs are challenged by foreign ideologies, as well as the betrayal felt by those who see their own brothers turning against their traditional ways.
In this context, the correct interpretation of how the historical novel builds on or challenges the idea of Christianity uniting Nigerians is that it suggests that Christianity divided the people of Nigeria. The dialogue illustrates the fracturing of community bonds and the loss of unity due to the allure of a new religion and the manipulation by colonial powers. Rather than fostering unity, the introduction of Christianity exacerbates existing divisions, demonstrating the complexities of cultural interactions and the consequences of colonial influence.
Overall, Achebe's work critiques the notion of unity by revealing the painful fractures within Nigerian society caused by the arrival of Christian missionaries and the resulting internal conflicts.