Things Fall Apart Analysis - 1671 Words

Objective: In this paper I will discuss the text Things Fall Apart while analyzing the characters, events, and the historical relevance of the story. Also, I will summarize the story while expanding on the major themes of the book. Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, is a tragic story about the rise and fall of Okonkwo. The story takes place in Umuofia, a cluster of villages in Niger during the 1890’s. the Umuofians are known for being a notorious war clan with many members, advanced social institutions, and phenomenal traditions. Chinua Achebe educated his readers throughout the novel by capitalizing on historical importance’s in Nigerian history, like when the Europeans invaded Niger as well as basic history about African culture†¦show more content†¦The two boys became very close and considered themselves to be real brothers. They were inseparable and did all their chores together. Nwoye was not the only one who became fond of the new addition t o the family, but Okonkwo has also grown to enjoy the boys company but tried not to show it so he would not be perceived as weak. Ikemefuna had the privilege of experiencing a very important celebration, The Week of Peace, in the village during his stay with Okonkwo. During this week there was supposed to be no negativity throughout the village. No one is to look down on anyone, speak harshly, or hurt anyone in any way. Okonkwo breaks the traditions of The Week of Peace when he attempts to shoot his youngest wife because she did not fix him dinner. He accepts the consequences but still does not really believe he has done anything wrong. Achebe shows the reader the gender roles present in the village through the way Okonkwo reacted. After this incident, the story began to pick up. Okonkwo’s second wife, Ekwefi, is introduced and we learn that she loves wrestling and her daughter Enzima. Okonkwo is also very fond of Enzima and tries his best to show her love . He does not treat her harshly like the boys because he does not want her to grow up strong like a man should. However, at times he does wish that she were a boy so he could treat her the way he treats his sons and have her work in the fields. At this point inShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Things Fall Apart 1817 Words   |  8 PagesCrystal Wu Ms. Johns Honors English 3-4 12 August, 2016 Things Fall Apart 1. Okonkwo endeavors to measure up to the traditional Igbo standards of masculinity, for which his culture highly regards and esteems. Epitomizing and personifying the ideal heroic qualities in the Igbo culture, an industrious Okonkwo experiences not only social but financial success which is driven and fueled by a passion of loathing â€Å"everything that his father Unoka had loved† (13). His idle, imprudent father owes nearlyRead MoreAnalysis Of Things Fall Apart 1027 Words   |  5 PagesFriends â€Å"Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the center cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.† The author, Achebe, uses part of the poem â€Å"The Second Coming,† and hints at the turmoil that is intensifying as the community falls within the novel â€Å"Things Fall Apart.† (Yeats, 1) The African tribal system is beginning to have many cultural and tradition changes while at the same timeRead MoreCritical Analysis Of Things Fall Apart974 Words   |  4 PagesChinua Achebe published the fictional account Things Fall Apart in 1958. It was written to provide a new perspective on the African culture and the societies of the pre - colonial villages in Africa. He tried to dispel stereotypes and overshadow the writers who previously persuaded the world to shun Africa and its culture. Things Fall Apart told the story of the village of Umuofia over a period of many years and how they behaved and what happened with white foreign missionaries entered their livesRead MoreThings Fall Apart Character Analysis1071 Words   |  5 PagesIn life, we all have fears whether itâ⠂¬â„¢s spiders, darkness, or even death. In Things Fall Apart, we see the fears of many of the main characters being shown especially in Okonkwo. Okonkwo was not born into power and wealth and it was up to him whether he was going to make something out of his life. His choice was to disregard his father’s ways and work as hard as possible so that he can become one of the most powerful men in his village of Umuofia. His work ethic and passion for success drive himRead More Analysis of Things Fall Apart Essay875 Words   |  4 Pageswithin this area is Umuofia, which is where the Ogidi tribe lives. These people have beliefs that rest strongly on religion and faith in god. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe takes a look at the life of an African tribe that has been isolated from the outer more technologically advanced world where science has become a part of religion proving that certain things live sickness are not caused by evil spirits. But the African tribe has no knowledge of this and they live in a society where there traditionsRead MoreAnalysis Of The Novel Things Fall Apart 1435 Words   |  6 Pages ‘’Things Fall Apart’’ novel tries to bring back up cultural, social as well as spiritual basics of traditional Igbo (Ibo) existence from the year 1850 and 1900. The novel cannot be fixed like truthful societal and political old times of Ibo society since it is a work of invented story. However, the novel describes disagreements and apprehensions in Igbo society. It also depicts changes initiated by colonial ruling and Christianity. The author mentions that European colonialism operates as a powerfulRead MoreThings Fall Apart Okonkwo Analysis735 Words   |  3 Pagestribal elder. This aphorism was respected by everyone in the community. People were not judged on by their fathers success. Because of this Okonkwo works hard to gain status and made it his goal in life to not be like his father. In the book Things Fall Apart b y Chinua Achebe Okonkwos actions were due to extreme belief in his village`s saying that if you worked hard you would be greatly rewarded. When Okonkwo was a young boy he grew up with a lazy father which he despises â€Å"In his day he was lazyRead MoreLiterary Analysis Of Things Fall Apart Themes1246 Words   |  5 PagesLiterary Analysis of Things Fall Apart Themes Masculinity â€Å"Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper† (Achebe 13). Okonkwo is the definition of hypermasculinity. As someone who condemns all things feminine, he never learned how to express his feelings, leading to him lashing out in violence instead. It is important to note his treatment of the women in his life as well. Okonkwo’s poor, often times abusive relationshipRead MoreThings Fall Apart Music Analysis1270 Words   |  6 PagesHarmonic Tunes A person’s heartbeat changes to mimic the music they listen to. Different types of music portray an emotion or specific memory of an individual. Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe is a story of pre-colonial times in the Niger villages. The protagonist’s, Okonkwo, ideals of masculinity are challenged by various forms of misfortune portrayed through the music in his community, Gbo. The music highlights the key points of Okonkwos village and culture as it looks ahead at the disintegrationRead MoreAnalysis Of The Novel Things Fall Apart 1100 Words   |  5 PagesChristine Kittrell Professor Harrington HUM 200: Contemporary Lit Culture 30 September 2014 American society vs. Umuofian society Values are beliefs, priorities, and or activities that people find importance in. In the 1959 novel â€Å"Things Fall Apart† written by Chinua Achebe, the concentration is on the nine Ibo-speaking villages of Umuofian, which means People of the Forest†. Umuofian is the village in which Okonkwo, the protagonist, thrives in everything and is able to secure his manly position