What is the book Things Fall Apart about?
Things Fall Apart is a novel by Chinua Achebe that centers on Okonkwo, a revered Igbo leader grappling with the impacts of colonialism and Christianity on his traditional Nigerian village. The story highlights the tension between change and tradition as Okonkwo faces both personal challenges and communal conflicts. As Achebe’s first novel, it stands as a key piece of modern African literature, addressing deep cultural issues through Okonkwo's experiences.
What genre is the Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe?
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe falls primarily into the genre of historical fiction. It serves as a classic piece of African literature, incorporating cultural and societal aspects from its historical context. The story examines themes of tradition and change under the influences of European colonialism during the 19th century.
How many chapters are in Things Fall Apart?
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe contains a total of 25 chapters; each chapter unveils a part of the complex narrative surrounding the life of Okonkwo and the changes in his village due to British colonialism and the arrival of Christianity.
Things Fall Apart summary
In Things Fall Apart, we meet Okonkwo, a respected Igbo warrior and farmer living in Umuofia, Nigeria. Early in his life, he earns fame by defeating a wrestler, breaking away from the failures of his father, Unoka. Okonkwo's strength, wealth, and passions, like farming yams, drive him. He marries three wives and has several children, ruling his household with strict authority as he strives to be respected and successful, contrasting with his father’s softer nature.
The story unfolds with descriptions of the village's traditions and social organization. When a woman from Umuofia is killed by another village, Urmofia sends a peace settlement. Ikemefuna, the son of the murderer, is sent to live with Okonkwo, who treats him as his own child over three years. However, when a priest's oracle declares Ikemefuna must be sacrificed, Okonkwo participates in his murder to avoid losing his reputation, choosing to prioritize masculinity over familial bonds.
After this tragedy, Okonkwo accidentally kills a clansman at a funeral and, due to Igbo customs, is exiled for seven years to his mother’s village, Mbanta. This exile forces the destruction of his property to cleanse the land of his sins. Regarded as a failure, Okonkwo suffers loss and longs for the power he once had. Thankfully, his uncle Uchendu and the villagers provide him with support as he learns to cope with his new situation.
The narrative continues in Mbanta while colonial forces arrive, bringing Christianity and disruption to Okonkwo’s way of life. Many villagers, including Okonkwo’s son Nwoye, convert to the new religion, causing a rift in Okonkwo’s family and breaking his heart. As missionaries enter their lives, they undermine Igbo traditions and authority, causing conflict within the community and questioning the brittleness of their established social order.
Upon returning to Umuofia after exile, Okonkwo discovers his village divided and weakened due to the rise of colonial government and Christianity. The newcomers enforce new laws that affect daily life, while traditional leaders lose confidence and respect. After the elders’ attempted negotiation turns violent and humiliating, Okonkwo chafes against the loss of power his people have suffered.
In a furious last stand, Okonkwo kills a messenger who interrupts a village meeting. But, none of his peers stand by him, leaving Okonkwo isolated. Realizing that the spirit of his people has waned and colonialism has transformed everything he once knew, he takes his own life, violating Igbo beliefs in the process. This act symbolizes his deep despair and the collapse of traditional values within his society.
The story closes with the District Commissioner reflecting on adding Okonkwo's tale to a book about colonialism. This ending highlights how outsiders misunderstand and diminish the rich culture of the Igbo people, leaving a legacy of erased identities against the backdrop of a profound cultural collision.
How does Things Fall Apart end?
At the end of Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo returns to Umuofia after a seven-year exile, only to find his village transformed by British colonialism and Christian missionaries. The old customs and authority he once respected are weakened, and many villagers have either accepted the changes or stayed passive. This new reality makes Okonkwo feel more frustrated and alienated than ever.
When Okonkwo and local leaders try to resist colonial influences, their actions prove worthless; they realize the community is split. Amidst this turmoil, Okonkwo's anger leads him to kill a colonial messenger who tries to interrupt a clan meeting. In this moment of desperation, he recognizes that he stands alone against the waves of change.
Facing this immense failure, Okonkwo takes his own life, which is viewed as a dishonorable act in his culture. The story ends with a colonial official pondering Okonkwo’s death, symbolizing the collapse of Igbo society and highlighting the deep cultural and political shifts caused by colonial forces, leaving a stark reminder of what was lost.
Who are the main characters in Things Fall Apart?
Okonkwo: The main character, a powerful warrior and leader in Umuofia, proud and quick to anger; he wants to be the opposite of his father's failures.
Ikemefuna: A boy sent to live with Okonkwo’s family for peace. He regards Okonkwo as a father but is tragically killed at the oracle's command.
Nwoye: Okonkwo’s son, sensitive and confused, who turns to Christianity, creating distance between him and his father.
Ekwefi: Okonkwo’s loyal second wife, enduring heartache from multiple child losses.
Ezinma: Ekwefi’s only surviving daughter, and Okonkwo’s favored child.
Obierika: Okonkwo’s loyal friend, who questions customs and supports him.
Unoka: Okonkwo’s father, known for his laziness and debts; he is the embodiment of the qualities Okonkwo despises.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Nwoye in Things Fall Apart?
Nwoye is Okonkwo's oldest son in Things Fall Apart. He has a hard time living up to his father's expectations, feeling caught between traditional Igbo culture and the influence of Christian missionaries. Ultimately, he converts to Christianity, rejecting his father's strict masculinity in search of his own identity.
Who is Ikemefuna in Things Fall Apart?
Ikemefuna is a 15-year-old boy sent to live with Okonkwo's family as a peace settlement after his clan killed a woman from Umuofia. Over three years, he grows close to them, especially to Okonkwo's son Nwoye; however, the clan elders order his death, and Okonkwo kills him to avoid appearing weak.
Why did Chinua Achebe write Things Fall Apart?
Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart to highlight the rich culture of the Igbo people and to show how British colonialism and Christianity disrupted traditional African society. He wanted to offer a balanced African viewpoint for a global audience, challenging the stereotypes often presented in colonial literature.