Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebe (born 16 November 1930 as Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe) ( /ˈtʃɪnwɑː əˈtʃɛbeɪ/)[1] is a Nigerian[2] novelist, poet, professor, and critic. He is best known for his first novel and magnum opus,[3] Things Fall Apart (1958), which is the most widely read book in modern African literature.[4]
Raised by his parents in the Igbo town of Ogidi in southeastern Nigeria, Achebe excelled at school and won a scholarship for undergraduate studies. He became fascinated with world religions and traditional African cultures, and began writing stories as a university student. After graduation, he worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Service and soon moved to the metropolis of Lagos. He gained worldwide attention for Things Fall Apart in the late 1950s; his later novels include No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of the People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Achebe writes his novels in English and has defended the use of English, a "language of colonisers", in African literature. In 1975, his lecture An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" became the focus of controversy, for its criticism of Joseph Conrad as "a bloody racist" and was later published.
When the region of Biafra broke away from Nigeria in 1967, Achebe became a supporter of Biafran independence and acted as ambassador for the people of the new nation. The war ravaged the populace, and as starvation and violence took its toll, he appealed to the people of Europe and the Americas for aid. When the Nigerian government retook the region in 1970, he involved himself in political parties but soon resigned due to frustration over the corruption and elitism he witnessed. He lived in the United States for several years in the 1970s, and returned to the U.S. in 1990 after a car accident left him partially disabled.
Achebe's novels focus on the traditions of Igbo society, the effect of Christian influences, and the clash of Western and Traditional African values during and after the colonial era. His style relies heavily on the Igbo oral tradition, and combines straightforward narration with representations of folk stories, proverbs, and oratory. He has also published a number of short stories, children's books, and essay collections. Since 2009, he has been the David and Marianna Fisher University Professor and Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
(Wikipedia)
Raised by his parents in the Igbo town of Ogidi in southeastern Nigeria, Achebe excelled at school and won a scholarship for undergraduate studies. He became fascinated with world religions and traditional African cultures, and began writing stories as a university student. After graduation, he worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Service and soon moved to the metropolis of Lagos. He gained worldwide attention for Things Fall Apart in the late 1950s; his later novels include No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of the People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Achebe writes his novels in English and has defended the use of English, a "language of colonisers", in African literature. In 1975, his lecture An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" became the focus of controversy, for its criticism of Joseph Conrad as "a bloody racist" and was later published.
When the region of Biafra broke away from Nigeria in 1967, Achebe became a supporter of Biafran independence and acted as ambassador for the people of the new nation. The war ravaged the populace, and as starvation and violence took its toll, he appealed to the people of Europe and the Americas for aid. When the Nigerian government retook the region in 1970, he involved himself in political parties but soon resigned due to frustration over the corruption and elitism he witnessed. He lived in the United States for several years in the 1970s, and returned to the U.S. in 1990 after a car accident left him partially disabled.
Achebe's novels focus on the traditions of Igbo society, the effect of Christian influences, and the clash of Western and Traditional African values during and after the colonial era. His style relies heavily on the Igbo oral tradition, and combines straightforward narration with representations of folk stories, proverbs, and oratory. He has also published a number of short stories, children's books, and essay collections. Since 2009, he has been the David and Marianna Fisher University Professor and Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
(Wikipedia)
What would Nigeria (and Africa, more generally) look like without colonization?
It is an interesting thought exercise...
The modern borders of Africa are the results of 200 years of European politics -- Wars, civil wars, revolutions... all in the context of European colonization.
The modern borders of Africa are the results of 200 years of European politics -- Wars, civil wars, revolutions... all in the context of European colonization.
Things Fall Apart – Questions for Consideration
Structure, Technique and Plot
1. The novel is structured in three parts. What do the divisions reflect about the stages of life of the protagonist? How do the divisions move toward and illustrate the collapse of Igbo society?
2. What is the point of view of the narrator? How does the point of view contribute to our understanding of the conflicting cultures? What techniques does the narrator use to evoke a participatory role for the reader?
3. In the novel's opening, Okonkwo is wrestling. How does this contrast with the ending, when Okonkwo is deliberating about an adequate response to the British humiliation of the Igbo elders in jail?
4. Achebe uses storytelling flashbacks to describe the relationship of Okonkwo and Unoka. What do the flashbacks reveal about their relationship? What is the effect of the use of storytelling to illustrate the flashbacks?
5. In Chapter One, how does Achebe foreshadow the presence (and ultimate fate) of Ikemefuna?
6. Describe the judicial function of the egwugwu and its relationship to the living, particularly to Igbo women. Why is it also related to the spiritual world? How does Achebe illustrate the blending of the spiritual and real worlds?
7. How does the killing of Ikemefuna foreshadow the fall of Okonkwo?
8. Why is Okonkwo exiled? Why is the exile ironic? Compare to Okonkwo's participation in the killing of Ikemefuna and its lack of consequences.
9. When and how is the white man introduced? Trace the chronology of the Igbo people's responses to the arrival and settlement of the white man. What attitudes toward the Igbo people do the white men bring and how do their attitudes determine their treatment of the Igbo people?
10. How does Achebe use incidents to paint the general character of the white colonizers?
Character and Conflict
11. How does Okonkwo achieve greatness as defined by his culture
12. Why is Unoka, who suffers from a swelling in the stomach, left to die in the evil forest?
13. How does Okonkwo differ from his father? What are his feelings toward his father? How does his father shape Okonkwo's character and actions as an adult male? Cite examples in the attitude and actions of Okonkwo that show the Igbo division of what is considered manly and what is considered womanly.
14. Why is Okonkwo unhappy with his son and heir? How do his feelings toward Nwoye compare with his feelings toward Ikemefuna? How do Okonkwo's feelings affect Nwoye?
15. Why is Ikemefuna killed? Why does Okonkwo participate in the slaughter in spite of an elder's advice not to become involved in the sacrifice? How does Nwoye react to the sacrifice?
16. Okonkwo changes significantly after the killing of Ikemefuna. Describe those changes and tell how they reflect Okonkwo's struggle with his feminine side.
17. Consider Okonkwo's relationship to his daughter Ezinma and how he regards her compared to how he regards Nwoye.
18. During Okonkwo's exile, Obierika proves to be his friend. How do Obierika's actions show true friendship?
19. Describe actions that depict Obierika as Okonkwo's alter ego.
20. Why does Nwoye convert to Christianity? How does his conversion affect his relationship with his father?
21. Describe Mr. Brown. How is his portrayal different from the Igbo characters? Compare and contrast him with other white colonists.
22. Describe Enoch. How do his actions show disdain for Igbo traditions?
23. How does the Reverend Smith's personality differ from that of Mr. Brown? What is the impact of Reverend Smith's personality on the village?
Setting and Society
24. The novel begins in Umuofia and ends in Umuofia. Describe this village. What surprises you about life in an African tribal community? What preconceptions did you bring to your reading that were either reinforced or changed?
25. Why do the community celebrations make Okonkwo unhappy? How do Okonkwo's feelings conflict with the culture of his community? Cite examples.
26. Igbo culture is patriarchal. What is the role of women in the community? Does their role make them less valuable than men? How does wife beating reflect the community attitude toward women? Cite examples.
27. Near the beginning of the novel, we learn that Okonkwo has several wives. Describe the polygamous structure of Okonkwo's family. What does this arrangement reveal about family life in the community?
28. An African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child." How does this statement reflect the care of children in the Igbo community?
29. Describe the Igbo extended family system. How does it help Okonkwo to survive his exile in Mbanta?
30. Compare and contrast Umuofia and Mbanta. How do their similarities and differences add to an understanding of the Igbo culture?
31. A significant social marker in Igbo society is the honorific title system. Describe how the use of titles allows Igbo members to compare themselves with each other.
32. What is the symbolic meaning of the Week of Peace for the Igbo people? How does Okonkwo's anger violate the custom and what are the consequences of his action?
33. Agriculture is important in the Igbo community. How does sharecropping contribute to the prosperity of the community? How does it affect individuals?
34. What is the significance of the yam? What is the purpose of the New Yam Festival? How is it related to the religion of the community?
35. Explain the concept of ogbanje. Show how it is reflected in the relationship of Ekwefi and Ezinma.
36. How do the Igbo marriage negotiations and rituals compare with other nineteenth-century cultures in which the bride's family pays a dowry? What do these rituals reveal about the level of sophistication of pre-colonial Igbo civilization?
37. Obierika, a close friend, mourns the exile of Okonkwo, yet participates in the destruction of Okonkwo's property. Explain how Obierika's response to the exile signals a questioning of community traditions.
38. How does pre-colonial life in Umuofia differ from Western society? Are there similarities? Cite examples of any similarities and differences.
Themes and Motifs
39. Describe the Igbo concept of chi and how the concept relates to Okonkwo's desired success in life.
40. How is the theme of fate or destiny illustrated through the actions of the characters?
41. Fear is pervasive throughout the novel. How does fear affect the actions of Okonkwo? Of Nwoye? How does fear influence Okonkwo's relationship with others?
42. How is the concept of change and the response to change presented in the novel? What is the significance of the song sung at the end of Chapter Twelve? How does this new song convey the theme of change?
43. Who is Chukwu? How does Chukwu compare with the Christian concept of a supreme being? Use the conversation between Akunna and Mr. Brown to support your comparison.
44. How is Christianity depicted? Why does Achebe focus on the Trinity?
45. How does education advance Christianity among the Igbo people?
46. What are the human consequences of the collision between the two cultures? Describe both the societal and personal clashes.
47. At the end of Chapter Twenty, Obierika tells Okonkwo, "He [the white man] has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart." Explain the significance of this statement.
48. How does Okonkwo's suicide represent a break in the traditional Igbo culture?
Imagery and Language
49. Achebe seamlessly merges Igbo vocabulary into the general text. Explain how he helps readers to understand Igbo words and concepts that have no English language equivalents.
50. Achebe's characters tell traditional folk tales and intersperse their conversation with Igbo words, phrases and sayings. How does this use of language convey a sense of Igbo culture?
51. Explain the importance of folktales in the informal education of the children. Why does Nwoye like the tales of his mother better than those of his father?
52. How does the legend of the old woman with one leg help to explain why the other clans fear Umuofia?
53. How does the language of the women and children differ from that used by the priests, diviners, and titled men? What is the significance of this difference?
54. Wrestling is a recurring image. In addition to the literal match at the beginning of the novel, what are other examples of the theme of wrestling and how do they contribute to the overall theme?
55. What is the significance of the drums in communication among the villages of Umuofia? Why are they esoteric?
56. What is the significance of the pidgin English that is used for communication between the Igbo people and the colonists?
For Discussion and Assignment
57. The title of the novel comes from a line in The Second Coming by William Butler Yeats. Read this poem and apply it to the breakdown of African society as described in the novel.
58. What is the significance of the three proverbs in Chapter One? What is Achebe's purpose in using Igbo proverbs in the novel? How do proverbs promote the narrative action in the novel? What do they reveal about Igbo culture? Locate additional proverbs in the novel and explain their meaning and how they foster Igbo tradition.
59. How does the plot in Things Fall Apart follow the conventions of the Western tragedy, such as when major actions of the protagonist or hero create disastrous outcomes? Is Okonkwo a tragic hero? Compare Okonkwo with Oedipus, who is punished for the inadvertent murder of his father. How do they attempt to escape their fate? What are the tragic flaws that cause their downfalls? How do they evoke both pity and fear?
60. In what ways is Things Fall Apart a response to Conrad's Heart of Darkness - or other works of literature that contain demeaning stereotypes?
61. Achebe does not paint a clear view of good versus evil in either the Igbo culture or colonialism. How does Achebe show value in both systems?
62. In an interview shortly after the publication of Things Fall Apart, Achebe stated that his goal for writing the novel was: " ...to help my society regain belief in itself and put away the complexes of the denigration and self-abasement." Explain how he did or did not meet his goal.
Structure, Technique and Plot
1. The novel is structured in three parts. What do the divisions reflect about the stages of life of the protagonist? How do the divisions move toward and illustrate the collapse of Igbo society?
2. What is the point of view of the narrator? How does the point of view contribute to our understanding of the conflicting cultures? What techniques does the narrator use to evoke a participatory role for the reader?
3. In the novel's opening, Okonkwo is wrestling. How does this contrast with the ending, when Okonkwo is deliberating about an adequate response to the British humiliation of the Igbo elders in jail?
4. Achebe uses storytelling flashbacks to describe the relationship of Okonkwo and Unoka. What do the flashbacks reveal about their relationship? What is the effect of the use of storytelling to illustrate the flashbacks?
5. In Chapter One, how does Achebe foreshadow the presence (and ultimate fate) of Ikemefuna?
6. Describe the judicial function of the egwugwu and its relationship to the living, particularly to Igbo women. Why is it also related to the spiritual world? How does Achebe illustrate the blending of the spiritual and real worlds?
7. How does the killing of Ikemefuna foreshadow the fall of Okonkwo?
8. Why is Okonkwo exiled? Why is the exile ironic? Compare to Okonkwo's participation in the killing of Ikemefuna and its lack of consequences.
9. When and how is the white man introduced? Trace the chronology of the Igbo people's responses to the arrival and settlement of the white man. What attitudes toward the Igbo people do the white men bring and how do their attitudes determine their treatment of the Igbo people?
10. How does Achebe use incidents to paint the general character of the white colonizers?
Character and Conflict
11. How does Okonkwo achieve greatness as defined by his culture
12. Why is Unoka, who suffers from a swelling in the stomach, left to die in the evil forest?
13. How does Okonkwo differ from his father? What are his feelings toward his father? How does his father shape Okonkwo's character and actions as an adult male? Cite examples in the attitude and actions of Okonkwo that show the Igbo division of what is considered manly and what is considered womanly.
14. Why is Okonkwo unhappy with his son and heir? How do his feelings toward Nwoye compare with his feelings toward Ikemefuna? How do Okonkwo's feelings affect Nwoye?
15. Why is Ikemefuna killed? Why does Okonkwo participate in the slaughter in spite of an elder's advice not to become involved in the sacrifice? How does Nwoye react to the sacrifice?
16. Okonkwo changes significantly after the killing of Ikemefuna. Describe those changes and tell how they reflect Okonkwo's struggle with his feminine side.
17. Consider Okonkwo's relationship to his daughter Ezinma and how he regards her compared to how he regards Nwoye.
18. During Okonkwo's exile, Obierika proves to be his friend. How do Obierika's actions show true friendship?
19. Describe actions that depict Obierika as Okonkwo's alter ego.
20. Why does Nwoye convert to Christianity? How does his conversion affect his relationship with his father?
21. Describe Mr. Brown. How is his portrayal different from the Igbo characters? Compare and contrast him with other white colonists.
22. Describe Enoch. How do his actions show disdain for Igbo traditions?
23. How does the Reverend Smith's personality differ from that of Mr. Brown? What is the impact of Reverend Smith's personality on the village?
Setting and Society
24. The novel begins in Umuofia and ends in Umuofia. Describe this village. What surprises you about life in an African tribal community? What preconceptions did you bring to your reading that were either reinforced or changed?
25. Why do the community celebrations make Okonkwo unhappy? How do Okonkwo's feelings conflict with the culture of his community? Cite examples.
26. Igbo culture is patriarchal. What is the role of women in the community? Does their role make them less valuable than men? How does wife beating reflect the community attitude toward women? Cite examples.
27. Near the beginning of the novel, we learn that Okonkwo has several wives. Describe the polygamous structure of Okonkwo's family. What does this arrangement reveal about family life in the community?
28. An African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child." How does this statement reflect the care of children in the Igbo community?
29. Describe the Igbo extended family system. How does it help Okonkwo to survive his exile in Mbanta?
30. Compare and contrast Umuofia and Mbanta. How do their similarities and differences add to an understanding of the Igbo culture?
31. A significant social marker in Igbo society is the honorific title system. Describe how the use of titles allows Igbo members to compare themselves with each other.
32. What is the symbolic meaning of the Week of Peace for the Igbo people? How does Okonkwo's anger violate the custom and what are the consequences of his action?
33. Agriculture is important in the Igbo community. How does sharecropping contribute to the prosperity of the community? How does it affect individuals?
34. What is the significance of the yam? What is the purpose of the New Yam Festival? How is it related to the religion of the community?
35. Explain the concept of ogbanje. Show how it is reflected in the relationship of Ekwefi and Ezinma.
36. How do the Igbo marriage negotiations and rituals compare with other nineteenth-century cultures in which the bride's family pays a dowry? What do these rituals reveal about the level of sophistication of pre-colonial Igbo civilization?
37. Obierika, a close friend, mourns the exile of Okonkwo, yet participates in the destruction of Okonkwo's property. Explain how Obierika's response to the exile signals a questioning of community traditions.
38. How does pre-colonial life in Umuofia differ from Western society? Are there similarities? Cite examples of any similarities and differences.
Themes and Motifs
39. Describe the Igbo concept of chi and how the concept relates to Okonkwo's desired success in life.
40. How is the theme of fate or destiny illustrated through the actions of the characters?
41. Fear is pervasive throughout the novel. How does fear affect the actions of Okonkwo? Of Nwoye? How does fear influence Okonkwo's relationship with others?
42. How is the concept of change and the response to change presented in the novel? What is the significance of the song sung at the end of Chapter Twelve? How does this new song convey the theme of change?
43. Who is Chukwu? How does Chukwu compare with the Christian concept of a supreme being? Use the conversation between Akunna and Mr. Brown to support your comparison.
44. How is Christianity depicted? Why does Achebe focus on the Trinity?
45. How does education advance Christianity among the Igbo people?
46. What are the human consequences of the collision between the two cultures? Describe both the societal and personal clashes.
47. At the end of Chapter Twenty, Obierika tells Okonkwo, "He [the white man] has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart." Explain the significance of this statement.
48. How does Okonkwo's suicide represent a break in the traditional Igbo culture?
Imagery and Language
49. Achebe seamlessly merges Igbo vocabulary into the general text. Explain how he helps readers to understand Igbo words and concepts that have no English language equivalents.
50. Achebe's characters tell traditional folk tales and intersperse their conversation with Igbo words, phrases and sayings. How does this use of language convey a sense of Igbo culture?
51. Explain the importance of folktales in the informal education of the children. Why does Nwoye like the tales of his mother better than those of his father?
52. How does the legend of the old woman with one leg help to explain why the other clans fear Umuofia?
53. How does the language of the women and children differ from that used by the priests, diviners, and titled men? What is the significance of this difference?
54. Wrestling is a recurring image. In addition to the literal match at the beginning of the novel, what are other examples of the theme of wrestling and how do they contribute to the overall theme?
55. What is the significance of the drums in communication among the villages of Umuofia? Why are they esoteric?
56. What is the significance of the pidgin English that is used for communication between the Igbo people and the colonists?
For Discussion and Assignment
57. The title of the novel comes from a line in The Second Coming by William Butler Yeats. Read this poem and apply it to the breakdown of African society as described in the novel.
58. What is the significance of the three proverbs in Chapter One? What is Achebe's purpose in using Igbo proverbs in the novel? How do proverbs promote the narrative action in the novel? What do they reveal about Igbo culture? Locate additional proverbs in the novel and explain their meaning and how they foster Igbo tradition.
59. How does the plot in Things Fall Apart follow the conventions of the Western tragedy, such as when major actions of the protagonist or hero create disastrous outcomes? Is Okonkwo a tragic hero? Compare Okonkwo with Oedipus, who is punished for the inadvertent murder of his father. How do they attempt to escape their fate? What are the tragic flaws that cause their downfalls? How do they evoke both pity and fear?
60. In what ways is Things Fall Apart a response to Conrad's Heart of Darkness - or other works of literature that contain demeaning stereotypes?
61. Achebe does not paint a clear view of good versus evil in either the Igbo culture or colonialism. How does Achebe show value in both systems?
62. In an interview shortly after the publication of Things Fall Apart, Achebe stated that his goal for writing the novel was: " ...to help my society regain belief in itself and put away the complexes of the denigration and self-abasement." Explain how he did or did not meet his goal.
List of Characters
Okonkwo (Oh--kawn--kwoh)--The central character of Things Fall Apart A leader of the African Igbo community of Umuofia (Oo--moo--oh--fee--ah), known as a fierce warrior as well as a successful farmer, although he is a man still in his thirties. He has three wives and several children who live in their homes in his village compound. He is determined to overcome the stigma left by his father's laziness and wastefulness.
Unoka (Ooh--no--kah)--Okonkwo's father, known for his weakness and. lack of responsibility.
Nwoye (Nuh--woh--yeh)--Okonkwo's oldest son, age twelve at the book's beginning. By nature, he is a sensitive young man.
Ikemefuna (Ee--keh--meh--foo.nah)--A boy of fourteen when he is given to Umuofia by a neighboring village to avoid war, he is a clever, resourceful young man.
Ekweft (Eh--kweh--fee)--Okonkwo's second wife, mother of Ezinma, her only living child.
Ezinma (Eh--zeen--mah)--Daughter of. Ekwefi and Okonkwo; Ekwefi's only surviving. child.
Ojiubo (o h--jee--ooh-- boh)--Okonkwo's third wife and Mother of several of Okonkwo's children.
Obierika (Oh--bee--air--ee--kah)--Okonkwo's best friend in Umuofia. He often represents the voice of reason. He is the father of Maduka (son) and Ekuwke (daughter).
Chielo (Chee--eh--loh)--A village widow who is also the priestess of Agbala.
Agbala (Ahg--bah--lah)-- The Oracle of the Hills and the Caves, she influences all aspects of Umuofian life (based on the real Oracle at Awka who controlled Igbo life for centuries).
Mr. Brown-- The first white Christian missionary in Umuofla arid Mbanta, an understanding and accommodating man, he is inclined to listen to the Igbos.
Mr. Kiaga (Kee--ah--gah)-- The native interpreter for the missionaries, he is. a teacher and a leader of the new church in Mbanta.
The Reverend James Smith-- A strict, stereotypical white Christian missionary, he takes over the church after Mr. Brown's departure
The District Commissioner-- A stem, stereotypical white colonial administrator of Umuofia, he follows regulations to the letter and has little knowledge or understanding of the people for whom he tries to administer a new government.
http://www.lawrence.edu/dept/freshman_studies/resource/fsachebe.html#_LIST_OF_CHARACTERS
Unoka (Ooh--no--kah)--Okonkwo's father, known for his weakness and. lack of responsibility.
Nwoye (Nuh--woh--yeh)--Okonkwo's oldest son, age twelve at the book's beginning. By nature, he is a sensitive young man.
Ikemefuna (Ee--keh--meh--foo.nah)--A boy of fourteen when he is given to Umuofia by a neighboring village to avoid war, he is a clever, resourceful young man.
Ekweft (Eh--kweh--fee)--Okonkwo's second wife, mother of Ezinma, her only living child.
Ezinma (Eh--zeen--mah)--Daughter of. Ekwefi and Okonkwo; Ekwefi's only surviving. child.
Ojiubo (o h--jee--ooh-- boh)--Okonkwo's third wife and Mother of several of Okonkwo's children.
Obierika (Oh--bee--air--ee--kah)--Okonkwo's best friend in Umuofia. He often represents the voice of reason. He is the father of Maduka (son) and Ekuwke (daughter).
Chielo (Chee--eh--loh)--A village widow who is also the priestess of Agbala.
Agbala (Ahg--bah--lah)-- The Oracle of the Hills and the Caves, she influences all aspects of Umuofian life (based on the real Oracle at Awka who controlled Igbo life for centuries).
Mr. Brown-- The first white Christian missionary in Umuofla arid Mbanta, an understanding and accommodating man, he is inclined to listen to the Igbos.
Mr. Kiaga (Kee--ah--gah)-- The native interpreter for the missionaries, he is. a teacher and a leader of the new church in Mbanta.
The Reverend James Smith-- A strict, stereotypical white Christian missionary, he takes over the church after Mr. Brown's departure
The District Commissioner-- A stem, stereotypical white colonial administrator of Umuofia, he follows regulations to the letter and has little knowledge or understanding of the people for whom he tries to administer a new government.
http://www.lawrence.edu/dept/freshman_studies/resource/fsachebe.html#_LIST_OF_CHARACTERS
