Things Fall Apart is a novel written by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, published in 1958. The novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a wealthy and influential member of the Igbo community in Nigeria, and his struggles with the changes brought about by colonialism and Christian missionary efforts in his village.
The novel is set in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a time when European powers were colonizing and claiming control over much of Africa. Okonkwo and his community are initially resistant to the changes brought about by the colonizers, but eventually succumb to their influence.
One of the major themes of Things Fall Apart is the impact of colonialism on traditional African societies. The novel shows how the Igbo people's way of life is disrupted and dismantled by the colonizers, who impose their own laws, language, and religion on the community.
Another theme of the novel is the conflict between tradition and change. Okonkwo is a traditionalist who values the customs and beliefs of his ancestors, but he also recognizes the need for change in the face of the rapidly changing world around him. This internal conflict ultimately leads to Okonkwo's downfall.
Things Fall Apart is an important work of literature that highlights the impact of colonialism on African societies and the ways in which traditional cultures can be impacted by the forces of change. It is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that continues to be widely read and discussed today.
Works Cited:
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Anchor Books, 1958.
The Influence of "Things Fall Apart"
The novel under consideration presents a story of Okonkwo, a wealthy warrior from the Nigerian tribe, Umuofia. The act is seen as a crime against the gods regardless of how it happens. At times the narrator will enter the point of view of Okonkwo in order to expose it ironically, as in the following passage: Nwoye knew that it was right to be masculine and to be violent, but somehow he still preferred the stories that his mother used to tell. When he returns, new government comes to his tribe, and lots of people have already changed their values and traditions. Later novels, especially Anthills of the Savannah, exploit distortions of chronological sequence even more fully.
Ibo Society in "Things Fall Apart" by Achebe
When new government comes to society, the changes in other spheres take place as well. The people decide all the matters of the society. So, Okonkwo became a famous warrior, clansman, and father of the family. ASA Achebe 2010 Achebe, Chinua. This novel also illustrates what occurs when two cultures come together.
"Things Fall Apart" by Achebe and "The Heart of Darkness" by Conrad
On the other hand, Africans also mistrusted the colonialists who were seen as selfish individuals interested in taking what was not theirs. APSA Achebe 2010 Achebe, Chinua. Smith fails because, unlike Mr. And like the main character of the story, Okonkwo, people should, at least, try to demonstrate their intentions and desire to save traditions and respect the past. This level of mistrust caused many Africans to lose much of their cultural identity.
Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart": Plot and Psychoanalysis of the Okonkwo
The white man is very clever. The English navy, cheap consumer goods, and Anglican missionaries contributed to the fulfillment of the plans of the English bourgeoisie. This is but one of the opportunities for irony that Achebe makes use of throughout the book. These traits were valued in the past but were rendered insignificant later on in the novel. London: Penguin books; 2010. Achebe, 2003 First of all, the entire novel focuses on African characters while white colonialists are merely mentioned.
Works Cited
Moreover, both literary works suggest the humanistic shifts that happen due to the influence of a whole new culture trying to establish new rules in foreign societies. Achebe does not appreciate the choice of people, and he makes an attempt to rebel by means of Okonkwo. As a tragic character, Okonkwo raises to the top of the community by working hard, he gains the position of a leader in the society and accumulates a lot of wealth over the years, but at the end of the novel, he hugs himself. He did a really great job and made his masterpiece available for many people, writing Things Fall Apart in clear English. Okonkwo was forced by the laws of the community to participate in Ikemefunas death.
Things Fall Apart Analysis
Their thoughts were occupied with the new order: many residents converted to Christianity, went to church school, and traded in a shop Achebe. The efforts of the missionaries in Mbanta the place where Okonkwo is exiled to explain the trinity right after telling the crowd that there is only one God are met with hilarious rejoinders. When telling stories to his children, he tells only tales of violence and bloodshed. That Nwoye gains a productive life that he could not have had with his father is a blessing as is the saving of his sister from the plight of the changeling. Moreover, Christianity was referred to as the only religion, while the tribe members believed in false gods and had to convert through fundamental teachings. Indeed, as critics have pointed out, his rigidity makes him resemble Old Testament figures from the Bible more than New.
