Things Fall Apart

Summary of Things Fall Apart

The narrative follows the life and death of the character Okonkwo. The action takes place in Nigeria, specifically in the villages of Umuofia and Mbanta (Okonkwo's fatherland and motherland, respectively). The readership is presented with historical events as they affect Okonkwo, his family, and their wider community. The novel is concerned with the historical arrival of European missionaries and colonial powers in late nineteenth-century Nigeria.

Through stories about Okonkwo's childhood, adolescence and early adulthood, we are introduced to the intricacies of the Igbo community structure before colonial interference in their society. The narrative also focuses upon the hard work, resilience, and agricultural science employed by Okonkwo to ensure prosperity. By doing so, Achebe subtly rebuts deeply ingrained and ignorant stereotypes commonly held by western readerships regarding the capabilities of self-government among pre-colonial tribal communities.

At the climax of the novel, Okonkwo hangs himself after having killed a European messenger who had disrespectfully tried to break up a meeting of elders. His suicide was in response not just to the erosion of his community's traditional values, but because his actions and desire to go to war with the European colonisers were unsupported by his community. Indeed, the death of Okonkwo could be viewed as symbolic of the demise of his wider community.

Things Fall Apart quotes

Consider how the following quotes depict the introduction of British colonial rule and the end of a fully self-governing Igbo society:

An elder voices his concerns about future generations and the introduction of Christianity.

Obierika (Okonkwo's friend) reinforces the Mbanta elder's view that Christianity was an instrument of change and division. The words 'we have fallen apart' echoes the title.

What is the main idea of Things Fall Apart?

A number of prominent themes are vehicles for expressing the main idea of the novel. These include femininity vs masculinity, tradition vs change, and fate vs free will.

Femininity vs masculinity in Things Fall Apart

Fig. 1 - A task designated as masculine.

Fig. 2 - A task designated as feminine.

This is one of the main themes that run throughout the entire novel. It is notably apparent through the recurring generational conflict between father and son, the strict adherence to gendered roles, and Okonkwo's repression of all emotions other than anger.

The cycle of father-son conflict begins with Okonkwo resenting and feeling ashamed of his father's failure to live up to the masculine ideals of his society. Men are expected to be providers and leaders of their household. They are also expected to strive to earn the respect of their peers through sporting achievements, bravery in war, and earning titles.

Key quotes:

Calling a man a woman, or feminine, was regarded as an insult in this patriarchal society.

After the death of Unoka (Okonkwo's father) the cycle of father-son conflict resumes when Okonkwo is dissatisfied with his eldest son's work ethic.

Okonkwo feels guilt and grief after having killed Ikemefena. He associates those emotions with feminine weakness and is ashamed of them.

Tradition vs change in Things Fall Apart

Okonkwo and his family function as the vehicle through which Chinua Achebe expresses his themes. Okonkwo can be interpreted as symbolizing the traditional order, and his son Nwoye as the embracement of cultural change. Therefore, the fraught relationship between the two signifies a much greater conflict than that of father and son.

Through Okonkwo, Chinua Achebe skilfully intertwines the past, present, and future of the Igbo community. This novel introduces the reader to a pivotal point in the life of both Okonkwo and his community, as the traditions by which they lead their lives and self-govern are encroached upon by colonial forces.

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Free will vs fate in Things Fall Apart

The novel delivers mixed messages regarding the theme of free will vs fate. The community of Umuofia discuss a quality called chi, which they believe can affect one's luck. However, they are also practical farming people who believe that one's actions are what has the ultimate say over their destiny.

Consider the character Unoka, who is presented both as an ill-fated man and the author of his own misfortune. The Oracle of Agbala tells him that he alone is responsible for his poor harvests due to his laziness, and to look to the example of his neighbors, whose harvests are successful because of the effort they put in.

In a later parallel to Unoka, Okonkwo is described as being both lucky and the author of his own good fortune, having brought about his wealth through sheer hard work and tenacity in the face of hardship. When an elder suggests that fortune has smiled upon him, the narrator reminds the reader that this has not been the case.

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Things Fall Apart and genre

Things Fall Apart is an example of Historical Fiction.

Things Fall Apart is a work of historical fiction that focuses upon both the thriving society that existed prior to the colonization of Nigeria by Europeans in the late nineteenth century as well as that of the early days of colonization.

The structure and form of Things Fall Apart

The novel uses a third-person narrative, which enables a variety of voices to contribute to the novel. This provides a greater insight into different characters' perspectives than a first-person narrative. Following the memories of different characters, each of the story's three parts focuses on a different time period.

This novel has been organized into three parts. Consider how this structure breaks the story down into three sections following the chronology of history: pre-colonial times, a transitory period, and colonial times.

Igbo language, folk tales, and translated proverbs in Things Fall Apart

The author has been quoted here explaining his decision to include untranslated Igbo words and phrases. They should be understood in the wider context of their writing. However, Chinua Achebe has provided a glossary of words and phrases at the end of the novel.

The direct use of Igbo

The language of the novel is predominantly English but is interspersed with Igbo words and phrases. Direct use of the Igbo language can help the readership to feel a greater connection to the characters and their culture. Igbo words and phrases are used in context and often include explanations of their meaning. Chinua Achebe faced some criticism for his decision to use the English language. He defended his choice, explaining that he intended to use English as a vehicle to create new, accurate representations of Nigeria.

Translated proverbs and folktales

These are heavily used throughout the novel. Chinua Achebe's language choices in the novel are another way in which he subverts the usual narrative regarding African literature. He showcases the importance of language and the rich oral tradition of the community. Proverbs and fables were a form of living education and history for the Igbo community, a method of passing down generational wisdom and morality.

Linguistic shifts

Throughout most of the novel, the literary style calls upon Igbo language patterns. Therefore a stark contrast can be seen when the narrative focuses upon the District Commissioner's thoughts on Okonkwo's suicide. We see the use of Standard English as the focal character changes. This linguistic shift can be interpreted as symbolic of the transition of power from self-governance to colonial rule.

Key quotes:

By reading the Igbo words in context, the reader can understand that the Ekwe, udu, and Ogene are musical instruments.

The title of the book the District Commissioner plans to write reflects the ideas and prejudices that Chinua Achebe challenges with Things Fall Apart.

Chinua Achebe is often referred to by the accolade 'Father of African Literature'. With its focus on an accurate depiction of culture and historical practices, his novel Things Fall Apart can be seen as having ushered in both the Nigerian Literary Renaissance and a new type of African novel.

References

1. Collins English Dictionary, 2022.