Things Fall Apart

Definition

Things Fall Apart is a novel by Chinua Achebe that explores the impact of colonialism and the clash between traditional Igbo culture and Western influence in Nigeria. The title symbolizes the disintegration of the protagonist Okonkwo's life and the broader societal changes during the arrival of European missionaries and colonial authorities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Okonkwo, the main character, embodies the traditional values of masculinity and strength, which ultimately lead to his tragic downfall as he struggles to adapt to a changing society.
2. The arrival of Christian missionaries disrupts the traditional Igbo way of life, creating tensions within families and communities as some members convert while others resist.
3. Achebe uses proverbs throughout the novel to convey wisdom and cultural values of the Igbo people, reflecting their rich oral traditions.
4. The story is set in pre-colonial Nigeria, providing insight into Igbo customs, social structures, and religious practices before colonial influence altered them.
5. Things Fall Apart highlights themes such as identity, conflict, and cultural disintegration, illustrating the profound effects of colonialism on indigenous societies.

Review Questions

• How does Achebe portray the conflict between traditional Igbo culture and the forces of colonialism in Things Fall Apart?
  • Achebe portrays the conflict through Okonkwo's personal struggles as he embodies traditional values that clash with the changes brought by colonialism. The arrival of missionaries represents a direct challenge to Igbo beliefs and practices, creating divisions within families and communities. Through this lens, Achebe illustrates how colonial forces disrupt not only individual lives but also the fabric of traditional society.
• Discuss the significance of proverbs in Things Fall Apart and how they relate to Igbo culture's understanding of wisdom and identity.
  • Proverbs in Things Fall Apart serve as a vital tool for conveying the cultural heritage and wisdom of the Igbo people. They reflect deep-seated beliefs about morality, community, and personal identity. By integrating these proverbs into dialogue, Achebe emphasizes how language carries cultural significance and showcases how traditional wisdom is challenged by external influences as colonialism takes hold.
• Evaluate the consequences of Okonkwo's tragic downfall in Things Fall Apart within the broader context of colonialism's impact on indigenous cultures.
  • Okonkwo's tragic downfall symbolizes the broader disintegration of Igbo culture under colonial pressure. His inability to adapt to change leads to his alienation and ultimate demise, reflecting how many individuals faced similar fates as their societies transformed. This narrative illustrates the personal toll of cultural disruption while highlighting how colonialism imposed new identities and realities on indigenous peoples, forever altering their way of life.

Related terms

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, exploiting its resources, and establishing settlers in the territory.

Igbo Culture: The traditions, beliefs, and practices of the Igbo people, an ethnic group from Nigeria, characterized by rich oral storytelling, communal living, and a strong connection to the land.

Christian Missionaries: Individuals or groups sent to promote Christianity in new territories, often leading to significant cultural changes and conflicts with local beliefs.