Things Fall Apart

By Chinua Achebe

“Things Fall Apart” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the impact of colonialism on traditional African societies. Through his use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, author Chinua Achebe creates a rich and nuanced portrait of pre-colonial Igbo life and the ways in which it is changed forever by the arrival of European colonizers.

Themes 📚

1. The Clash of Cultures: One of the central themes in the novel is the clash between the traditional Igbo way of life and the culture of the European colonizers. Achebe explores the ways in which these two cultures are fundamentally different, and the devastating consequences that result when they come into conflict.
2. The Importance of Identity: Another important theme in the novel is the importance of personal and cultural identity. Many of the characters struggle to maintain their sense of self in the face of outside pressures, whether from colonialism or from within their own community.
3. The Power of Myth and Tradition: Achebe also examines the power of myth and tradition in shaping the beliefs and behaviors of the Igbo people. Through stories and customs that have been passed down for generations, characters are able to connect with their ancestors and their cultural heritage.
4. The Fragility of Civilization: The novel also explores the fragility of civilization and the ways in which even the most stable and prosperous societies can be brought down by internal and external pressures.
5. The Consequences of Hubris: Finally, Achebe examines the consequences of hubris, particularly in the character of Okonkwo. Through his fierce determination and unwillingness to compromise, Okonkwo ultimately brings about his own downfall.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Imagery: Achebe uses vivid and evocative imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader, from the lush vegetation of the Nigerian landscape to the sound of drums and the taste of palm-wine.
2. Symbolism: Throughout the novel, Achebe employs a range of symbols to represent larger concepts or ideas, such as the yam crop as a symbol of wealth and masculinity, or the locusts as a symbol of the coming of change.
3. Metaphor: Achebe also uses metaphor to create comparisons between different concepts or ideas. For example, he compares the white colonizers to locusts, emphasizing their destructive impact on the traditional way of life.
4. Irony: The novel also contains several instances of irony, such as the fact that Okonkwo’s own determination to be seen as a powerful and masculine figure ultimately leads to his downfall.
5. Foreshadowing: Achebe employs foreshadowing to create a sense of anticipation and tension in the lead-up to major events, such as the arrival of the colonizers.
6. Allusion: Achebe makes use of allusions to other works of literature and historical events, such as the Bible and the arrival of Portuguese traders in Africa.
7. Personification: At times, Achebe personifies abstract concepts or ideas, such as when he describes the gods of the Igbo people as “living” and “walking” among them.
8. Dialogue: The novel contains rich and realistic dialogue that reveals the characters’ personalities, values, and beliefs.
9. Flashback: Achebe also employs flashback to provide the reader with important backstory and context, such as when he describes the circumstances surrounding Okonkwo’s exile.
10. Repetition: Finally, Achebe uses repetition of certain words, phrases, or images to create a sense of continuity and connection between different parts of the story.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Okonkwo’s father’s failure	This foreshadows Okonkwo’s own downfall, as he constantly strives to be unlike his father but ends up failing nonetheless.
Okonkwo’s accidental killing of a clan member	This event foreshadows Okonkwo’s later transgressions that lead to his ultimate downfall.
The arrival of the first white man	This foreshadows the cultural and societal changes that will occur in Umuofia.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
Locusts	They symbolize the colonialists who come to Africa and consume its resources.
Fire	Okonkwo is often compared to fire, symbolizing his violent and destructive nature.
The Oracle	The Oracle symbolizes tradition and the cultural belief system of the Umuofia.

3. Proverbs

Example	Explanation
“When the mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth”	This proverb emphasizes the importance of role models and learning from the older generation.
“A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness”	This proverb emphasizes the importance of respect in their society.
“A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing”	This proverb is a warning that unusual behavior often signifies that something is wrong.

4. Irony

Example	Explanation
Okonkwo’s fear of weakness and failure	Despite his efforts to be strong and successful, Okonkwo’s fear leads him to his ultimate failure and death.
The peaceful arrival of the white men	The white men initially appear to be harmless but eventually lead to the destruction of the Umuofia culture.
Okonkwo’s suicide	Okonkwo, who has always valued strength and despised weakness, dies by suicide, which is considered a sign of weakness and a grave sin in his culture.

5. Flashback

Example	Explanation
Okonkwo’s memories of his father	These flashbacks provide insight into Okonkwo’s motivation to be a successful and respected man.
Okonkwo’s memories during his exile	These flashbacks provide a deeper understanding of Okonkwo’s character and his perspective on the changes in his society.
Recollections of past wars and conflicts	These flashbacks help to establish the history and traditions of the Umuofia society.

FAQs 💭