Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian novelist, is the author of the book Things Fall Apart. The narrative of Okonkwo, a village chief and local wrestling champion in Umuofia, a made-up Nigerian hamlet, is told in the novel, which was first published in 1958. The novel examines the Igbo people's traditions and rituals as well as how colonialism and the entrance of Christian missionaries affected their way of life. It is extensively read and studied in schools all over the world and is regarded as a masterpiece of African literature. Additionally, it is one of the most read and studied African books in English. One of the most translated African books of all time, the book has been translated into more than 50 languages.

Okonkwo is the epitome of the Ibo culture. He is a great warrior, and has many titles. In part one of the book it is giving background information about the culture, traditions, and beliefs of the people, and how Okonkwo represents that. At the end of part one he accidentally kills a young boy, and is exiled to his mothers homeland for seven years. In those seven years, the white missionaries come and try to convert people to their religion, and succeed in doing so with some people causing things to fall apart. In part three, it is apparent to the people of the clan that the white men had not only brought a religion but a government. Okonkwo and several others gather to plan a revolt, and messengers for the white men come and tell them to stop. Okonkwo kills the head messenger, and then for reasons the reader can only infer, hangs himself - an abomination to their people.

Nwoye is curious and captivated by the stories told by his mother, showing interest in the more compassionate and nurturing aspects of Igbo culture. In contrast, he is disenchanted and troubled by his father's stories, which are often harsh, violent, and rigid, causing him to question the values and beliefs upheld by his father.

The men of Umuofia have not yet formed the resolve that Okonkwo has to fight the colonists and their messengers. Some of them are afraid, and do not think that they can win. In their hearts, they have already surrendered.

Okonkwo values hard work, strength, masculinity, and traditional Igbo customs and values. He strives to be successful and respected in his community, often measuring his own worth based on these ideals.

This answer differs depending on which character you speak of.

For Nwoye, the new religion is like an answer to the questions in his heart which are not answered by his father and his religion.

For Okonkwo, this new culture is a challenge to his values and all he holds dear. He can not recognize any pride in subjugating himself to the new culture.

Things Fall Apart takes place in a series of Igbo villages in Lower Niger during the late 1880's.

The crisis is losing your way of life. In the story the Villages lost their everyday customs and traditions because of the white missionaries that moved into their homeland. The white missionaries turned many of the people into Christians. They told the people of the village that their religion was false. In the end no one had the power to stand up to the change, and the main character, Okonkwo, could not bear it and committed suicide.

Achebe seems to criticize the blind adherence to traditions without proper judgement as to why they were set up and if they still work to nurture their society as a whole. He makes many of these charges through Obierika, who wonders why twins must be killed and why Okonkwo must be punished so severely for an accident.

The customary Igbo reply when someone sneezes is "Ndewo" which means "good health" or "bless you."

The drum announces the death of Okonkwo's adopted son, Ikemefuna, who was killed in accordance with the Oracle's decree. This news brings great sorrow to Okonkwo and his family.

The Oracle in Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" serves as a spiritual guide and authority in the community. It interprets the will of the gods, provides advice on important matters such as war and harvests, and plays a crucial role in maintaining the social and cultural order of the society. The Oracle's decisions are deeply respected and influence the daily lives of the people in the community.

The Week of Peace is a period of harmony and non-violence observed in some traditional African societies, often at the start of the planting season. During this time, conflicts are usually resolved peacefully, and people come together to promote unity and cooperation. It is seen as a sacred time to set aside differences and focus on community well-being.

One metaphor in Chapter 9 of "Things Fall Apart" is the comparison of Okonkwo's internal turmoil to a raging fire that he cannot control or extinguish. Another metaphor is the portrayal of Okonkwo's fall from grace as a mighty tree that is uprooted and destroyed by outside forces. These metaphors emphasize the destructive consequences of Okonkwo's pride and stubbornness.

Achebe did not translate the song in "Things Fall Apart" because he wanted to preserve the authenticity and cultural richness of Igbo language and traditions. By leaving the song untranslated, he allows the reader to experience the story in a similar way as an Igbo person would, immersing them in the cultural context of the novel.

Okonkwo hears the night jar, an African bird that cries "good night," as he goes to sleep. This is a comforting sound for him, as it signals the end of the day and brings him a sense of peace.

The unmasking of the Egwugwu symbolizes the spiritual power and authority of the ancestors in Igbo culture. It shows that the masked figures are not just regular men but are embodiments of ancestral wisdom and justice. By revealing the person behind the mask, it demonstrates that the spiritual realm is present and active in the community's social and legal affairs.

A symbol that best represents Ezinma from Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" could be the beautiful and resilient ora flower. Like the ora flower, Ezinma is a bright and strong character who stands out among her surroundings, offering hope and beauty in the midst of challenges. Just as the ora flower thrives despite difficult conditions, Ezinma's spirit and intelligence shine through despite the hardships she faces.

Uchendu laments that the young men do not have respect for their elders and traditional customs anymore. He observes that they are more interested in seeking wealth and leaving the village, neglecting the values and wisdom passed down by their ancestors.

Ezinma survived childhood, while 9 other of Ekwefi's children have died. Ekwefi is especially glad to have a child who has survived, as she values motherhood. Ekwefi spoils Ezinma, by letting her choose what food to cook and eat, including feeding Ezinma eggs, delicacies normally reserved for adults.

His brashness in making himself manly and the main alpha male has a negative effect on the rest of his family. This is also seen in the 'Roaring Fire' analogy where he is sucking up all the oxygen and not leaving enough for the embers to develop on their own, only leaving behind impotent ash.

This may be a bit of a reach, as Okonkwo is not really one known for trickery; rather Okonkwo is a man of direct action.

Okonkwo hosts a large feast to express gratitude to his mother's family before returning to Umuofia. He wants to show appreciation for their support during his seven years of exile. This feast also serves as a way for Okonkwo to reaffirm his respect and status within the community.

As a child, Unoka sang to the kites as they returned from their migration. He sung because he was happy to see the kites, and he wanted to welcome the kites back from their journey. He also asked the kites if they had brought back any lengths of cloth.

Unoka probably enjoyed singing as a child, and was appreciative of the small miracle of these birds.

Okonkwo shows his thanks to Mbanta by offering sacrifices to the gods, obeying the customs and traditions of the community, and participating in community events and rituals. He also works hard to rebuild his life and reputation in Mbanta after being banished from Umuofia.