Things Fall Apart reviewed
The first novel by the Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart, is a seminal work of African literature. It’s also the first part of his African Trilogy, with No Longer at Ease and Arrow of God being the other two parts. Many consider Chinua Achebe the father of African literature, even though he strongly disagreed with that idea.
Chinua Achebe was strongly under the influence of the Igbo people’s traditional culture as well as Christianity, which came to Africa during its colonization. In many ways, he was disappointed at how European literature portrayed Africa, so he went on to encourage African writers (e.g., Thiongo’o and Nwapa) to produce their own literary responses.
Chinua Achebe went on to write several other novels and short stories that mix Western culture and the traditions of Igbo society. Nevertheless, Things Fall Apart, and the African Trilogy remain his magnum opus. The book had its fair share of criticism, some from Nigeria due to it being written in the English language, but it’s hard to argue how valuable it is to world literature, especially nowadays.
What is Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe all about?
Things Fall Apart is a story about the life of Okonkwo, who lives in one of the villages of Umuofia. He is a young wrestler determined to tarnish the weak reputation his father, Unoka, left him. He eventually becomes the leader of his village and is granted guardianship over Ikemefuna, a boy from another tribe. However, after a series of unfortunate events, he and his family are exiled for seven years to Mbanta, a nearby village, to seek forgiveness from the gods.
As an outcast, Okonkwo hears of white men in Umuofia, introducing Christianity to his people. To make matters worse for him, his son, Nwoye, is getting interested in this new religion and is beginning to spend time with Mr. Brown, one of the Christian missionaries. When Okonkwo finds out, he beats him, and the boy runs away to the colonialists. He then orders his fellow tribesman, Obierika, to sell yams to finance building a house in his village to have a place to return to.
Once he returns, Okonkwo finds out that the Ibo people lost their will for independence and are looking at white men as their new government. After a series of events, Okonkwo leads his tribe against the colonists, but to no success. He realizes that the fighting tradition of his people is lost and that their way of life is changing. Before the District Commissioner can take him to court, Okonkwo hangs himself. Ironically, his death ends up being just a chapter in another European book on imperialism, titled The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger.
Why is Things Fall Apart controversial?
Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart is a fantastic piece of writing. Nevertheless, like all good books, it has its fair share of controversies. Namely, even if an integral part of modern African culture, it was written in English, which, for many Africans, epitomizes colonization. Of course, Achebe defended his choice to write it in English, saying that it adds yet another layer to the story.
On another note, many consider Things Fall Apart to be a perfect response to Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. For example, Achebe was pretty vocal about disliking Conrad due to his depictions of African people, including Igbo culture. His point of view was that Conrad was racist, calling him out in New York while famously speaking at one lecture.
The main characters of Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart wouldn’t be a great novel if it weren’t for its interesting characters, so let’s check each of them out briefly.
Okonkwo
Okonkwo is the protagonist of Things Fall Apart. He is the son of a man who put shame on his family, which serves as his primary motive to rise through the societal ranks in his village. He is brave, strong, and at times ruthless. However, he often beats his wives and children.
Nwoye
Nwoye is Okonkwo’s son who becomes interested in white men, especially their faith—Christianity. After his father hears about him spending time with missionaries, he is beaten, which leads him to eventually run away.
Ezinma
Ezinma is Okonkwo’s favorite daughter with a nickname, Crystal Beauty. He is boyish by nature, often remarking how she wishes that she was born a male. She often challenges her father, which makes him respect her.
Ikemefuna
Ikemefuna is a boy who is taken under Okonkwo’s wing after being traded to his village after his father murdered an Igbo woman. Unfortunately for him, he shows feminine qualities, which lead to his death at the hand of the village authorities.
Unoka
Unoka was Okonkwo’s father. He was quite the opposite of his son, as he didn’t take care of his children and wives, and he left his debts unpaid, which serves as Okonkwo’s initial motive to turn things around and gain respect from his village.
Cultural Significance of Things Fall Apart
The cultural significance of Things Fall Apart is massive for African culture and the way the rest of the world views it. The book is set in the late 19th century, a time when colonization was at its peak in Africa, and most European books would depict the native people as nothing more than primitive, superstitious savages. However, Chinua Achebe managed to turn things around, giving African and world literature a modern classic straight from Nigeria.
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FAQ
What is the moral lesson of Things Fall Apart?
Unlike Okonkwo, a person who becomes a leader shouldn’t rule with an iron fist. Instead, they should strive to become a better leader by paying close attention to their surroundings and the people they lead.
Why is Things Fall Apart so famous?
Besides being a great book on its own, Things Fall Apart is famous due to being the first part of the African Trilogy, a piece of literature that changed the way the world viewed African literature.
What is the title of the third chapter of Things Fall Apart?
There isn’t a title. It’s just called Chapter 3.
What is the significance of the title?
The title of Things Fall Apart comes from a Yeats poem, The Second Coming. The book starts with an excerpt from it, implying that without proper balance, everything will fall apart, and that’s exactly what happens to Okonkwo and his people.