“Things Fall Apart,” written by Chinua Achebe in 1958, is a groundbreaking novel set in late 19th-century Nigeria. It was written during a time when colonial systems in Africa were starting to break down. Achebe’s story is important because it challenges the European view of Africans as uncivilized, offering a more detailed and humanized look at Igbo society.
Achebe’s novel tackles the problems of colonialism and how it often failed to see the humanity in others. Through well-developed characters and complex storytelling, “Things Fall Apart” reveals how power can be driven by fear, hatred, and ignorance.
The main character in the novel is Okonkwo, a man famous for his strength and wrestling skills. His reputation is built on his personal successes, including a legendary wrestling match that amazed thousands. Despite his achievements, Okonkwo is troubled by the memory of his father, Unoka, who was seen as a failure in their community. This fear of being weak pushes Okonkwo to succeed but also leads to his downfall.
Okonkwo’s life is heavily influenced by his fear of failure and weakness, which he links to femininity. This fear shows in how he harshly treats his family and community. He looks down on gentleness and laziness, which he associates with his father’s failures. This internal struggle shapes his character and affects his actions throughout the story.
Okonkwo’s fear causes him to make several serious mistakes, leading to severe consequences. His first major mistake happens when he violently beats one of his wives during the sacred Week of Peace, a time meant for honoring the Earth goddess. This act not only breaks community laws but also shows his inability to control his violent nature.
His second major mistake is the killing of Ikemefuna, a boy he has raised as a son. Even though he is advised not to take part in the boy’s death, Okonkwo kills him to avoid being seen as weak. This decision haunts him and highlights his internal conflict.
Okonkwo’s final mistake occurs when an accidental shooting during a funeral leads to the death of a clansman. This incident, considered a “female murder,” results in his exile from the village. During his time away, Okonkwo thinks about his life and the consequences of his actions, but he still cannot see his own flaws.
When Okonkwo returns, he finds his village changed by the arrival of Christian missionaries and the British Empire. The first converts to Christianity are the outcasts of society, showing how both colonial powers and traditional structures fail to recognize everyone’s humanity. Okonkwo’s inability to adapt to these changes leads to his isolation and despair.
Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” is a powerful commentary on the complexities of identity, power, and community in the face of colonialism. Okonkwo’s tragic story reflects broader themes of strength and weakness, as well as the struggle to see others as fully human. The novel’s exploration of these issues remains relevant today, encouraging readers to question their own views on strength, community, and humanity.
Engage in a debate with your classmates about Okonkwo’s character. Divide into two groups: one supporting Okonkwo’s actions as a product of his environment and the other critiquing his decisions as personal failings. Use evidence from the text to support your arguments and consider how his fear of weakness influences his actions.
Write an alternate ending to “Things Fall Apart” where Okonkwo makes different choices. Consider how his story might change if he overcame his fear of weakness. Share your ending with the class and discuss how these changes affect the novel’s themes of colonialism and identity.
Research the historical context of late 19th-century Nigeria and the impact of colonialism. Create a presentation that connects historical events to the themes in “Things Fall Apart.” Highlight how Achebe’s portrayal of Igbo society challenges European perspectives of the time.
Participate in a role-playing activity where you assume the roles of different members of Igbo society. Discuss how colonialism affects each character’s life and community. Reflect on how power dynamics and cultural changes influence individual identities and relationships.
Using the novel’s descriptions of Okonkwo’s wealth, calculate his financial status in today’s terms. Consider the value of his yams, livestock, and other assets. Discuss how his wealth influences his status and decisions, and compare it to modern economic concepts.
Literature – Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit – In her English class, Maria discovered that literature can offer profound insights into human nature and society.
Colonialism – The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically – The novel explores the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures and the resulting cultural conflicts.
Protagonist – The main character in a literary work, who drives the plot forward – In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the protagonist struggles with his conscience and the desire for revenge.
Okonkwo – The central character in Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart,” known for his strength and traditional values – Okonkwo’s fear of being perceived as weak drives many of his actions throughout the story.
Fear – An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat – The protagonist’s fear of failure is a recurring theme that shapes his decisions and relationships.
Masculinity – Qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men – The novel critiques traditional notions of masculinity and how they affect the characters’ lives.
Mistakes – Actions or judgments that are misguided or wrong – The protagonist’s mistakes serve as pivotal moments that lead to his eventual downfall.
Exile – The state of being barred from one’s native country, typically for political or punitive reasons – After the tragic incident, the protagonist is sent into exile, which profoundly affects his sense of identity.
Christianity – A religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices – The introduction of Christianity in the novel symbolizes the cultural changes and conflicts faced by the community.
Identity – The fact of being who or what a person or thing is – The protagonist’s journey is marked by a struggle to maintain his identity amidst societal changes.
