"Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe is a seminal work in African post-colonial literature, depicting the clash between tradition and colonialism. The protagonist, Okonkwo, embodies the values of his tribe but faces destruction and division due to Western intrusion. Achebe critiques the collision of tribal society with the West, exploring themes of identity and cultural erosion. Through Okonkwo's story, the novel delves into Africa's struggle to reclaim its identity, prompting readers to reflect deeply.
Introduction
Set in late 19th-century Africa, the novel "Things Fall Apart" vividly depicts the gradual decline of the Umofia village due to the influx of violent Western influences. Published in 1958, it's considered Chinua Achebe's seminal work and a cornerstone of African post-colonial literature.
Chinua Achebe was born in 1930 in Igbo-dominated Eastern Nigeria. Growing up amidst active British missionary endeavors in the region, he was raised in a Christian household. Educated in medicine and literature, Achebe also worked as a broadcaster and served as a visiting professor of English literature at various American universities. Despite participating in post-independence Nigerian government activities, he became disillusioned with government corruption.
This masterpiece stands as one of the most widely recognized works in African literature, offering an objective and critical examination of the clash between imperialist powers and indigenous communities. Rather than solely blaming or condemning the "intruders," the author prompts introspection, compelling both himself and readers to contemplate why their world crumbled so powerlessly.
Main Characters
- Okonkwo: The protagonist of this novel, Okonkwo is a man of considerable status within the traditional tribal society of Nigeria. He has attained a prominent position within the tribe.
- Ekwefi: Okonkwo's second wife, known for her strength and resilience. She plays a significant role in the story.
- Ezinma: Okonkwo's daughter and Ekwefi's only child. She is particularly close to her mother and shares a special bond with her.
- Nwoye: Okonkwo's eldest son, who eventually converts to Christianity, much to his father's dismay.
- Obierika: Okonkwo's close friend and confidant. He provides insight into Okonkwo's character and serves as a voice of reason.
- Uchendu: Okonkwo's uncle, who offers wisdom and guidance during times of crisis.
Plot Summary
In the village of Umuofia, Okonkwo, a man known for his strength, hard work, and adherence to tradition, holds a prominent position. In his youth, he gained fame as a wrestling champion and successfully cultivated yams, a traditional crop, despite the harsh environment. Okonkwo's drive stems partly from a desire to avoid his father Unoka's fate, who was scorned in their society as a lazy musician. Determined to rise in status and earn titles of honor, Okonkwo always leads in tribal conflicts and suppresses his emotions to maintain a strong facade.
One day, tragedy strikes when a member of a neighboring tribe kills a woman from Okonkwo's clan. Okonkwo demands retribution and is tasked with delivering an ultimatum to the neighboring tribe, leading to the exchange of hostages—a woman and a boy named Ikemefuna. Despite initial tensions, Ikemefuna quickly adapts to tribal life, referring to Okonkwo as his father. Okonkwo's son, Nwoye, forms a close bond with Ikemefuna, much to Okonkwo's satisfaction.
Three years pass, and it becomes time to sacrifice Ikemefuna as per tribal tradition. Despite objections from the clan, who view Ikemefuna as a son to Okonkwo, he ultimately participates in Ikemefuna's murder, fearing to appear weak. This event deeply scars Okonkwo's relationship with his son Nwoye.
Meanwhile, Okonkwo has multiple wives and children, among whom he particularly adores his daughter Ezinma. He regrets not having a son like Ezinma, who falls gravely ill one day. A medicine man takes Ezinma to be cured, leading to a clandestine journey involving Okonkwo and his second wife Ekwefi, who fears for Ezinma's safety. Fortunately, Ezinma returns safely, and her health is restored.
Some time later, during a funeral ceremony for a revered elder in the tribe, Okonkwo accidentally kills a clansman in a firearm mishap. As per tribal customs, Okonkwo is compelled to leave the tribe and undergo seven years of exile.
Okonkwo goes to live with his maternal uncle, Uchendu, who also manages to sustain himself energetically despite being in his twilight years. One day, Okonkwo's friend Obierika visits him and shares shocking news: the British have invaded and annihilated the neighboring tribe. Two years after this tragedy, Okonkwo discovers that his son Nwoye has joined forces with white missionaries and promptly disowns him.
After serving his seven-year exile, Okonkwo returns to the tribe. Much has changed during his absence, with the British establishing a church and a courthouse, exerting influence over the villagers' lives. Fueled by a desire to make up for lost time, Okonkwo is dismayed to witness his tribe's subjugation by the British.
Meanwhile, tensions escalate between the church and the tribe with the arrival of the zealous Mr. Smith as the new missionary. The church's actions, deemed unacceptable by the tribal society, lead to an attack on the church by the villagers. In the aftermath, Okonkwo and other tribal leaders are imprisoned, and the tribe is forced to pay a hefty fine for their release.
However, Okonkwo's rage against the British reaches a boiling point, culminating in the massacre of the messengers sent by the British during a tribal meeting. As the British attempt to arrest Okonkwo, they discover that he has hung himself in an act of defiance.
Review
The protagonist, Okonkwo, strives tirelessly to overcome his father's lack of recognition and failure to leave any legacy. Being a member of a tribe that values valor as a virtue, Okonkwo abhors being perceived as weak.
Throughout life, he feared only two things, failure and weakness.
This passage reflects Okonkwo's fixation on strength. However, despite his efforts, Okonkwo faces two major crises. The first is when he accidentally kills a tribesman, leading to seven years of exile. The second is when the British arrive.
The presence of the British undermines Okonkwo's efforts to regain past glory, weakening his position. Colonial policies proceed without regard for tradition, ultimately leading to Okonkwo's tragic end.
The novel underscores the author's pride in traditional culture. Divided into two main parts, the first depicts Okonkwo's journey within traditional culture, while the second showcases the invasion of Western civilization, leading to the collapse of indigenous values.
Interestingly, despite the title "Things Fall Apart," the first part is considerably longer than the latter. This may suggest the author's desire to delve deeper into the richness of African tribal culture, highlighting its destruction in the latter part.
Furthermore, the title of the book the British District Commissioner is writing, "The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger," hints at a silent resistance against the derogatory portrayal of indigenous culture as primitive by Western civilization.
The protagonist, Okonkwo, strives tirelessly to overcome his father's lack of recognition and failure to leave any legacy. Being a member of a tribe that values valor as a virtue, Okonkwo abhors being perceived as weak.
Throughout life, he feared only two things, failure and weakness.
This passage reflects Okonkwo's fixation on strength. However, despite his efforts, Okonkwo faces two major crises. The first is when he accidentally kills a tribesman, leading to seven years of exile. The second is when the British arrive.
The presence of the British undermines Okonkwo's efforts to regain past glory, weakening his position. Colonial policies proceed without regard for tradition, ultimately leading to Okonkwo's tragic end.
The conversation between Okonkwo and his wise uncle, Uchendu, offers poignant insights into the importance of tradition during times of hardship. Uchendu's words about seeking solace in one's motherland during sorrow resonate deeply.
"When all is said and done, we belong to our fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness, we find refuge only in our motherland. It is right to do so. You should come home for all the celebrations, but when there is mourning, we don’t prevent you. We say come, but when you are tired of life and want to be away from all its troubles, there you are not welcome."
While seemingly trivial, these words reflect a profound truth. To me, they symbolize the emotional sanctuary provided by one's homeland during adversity. Just as Okonkwo dreams of returning to his motherland during exile, seeking refuge in familiar traditions.
The novel underscores the author's pride in traditional culture. Divided into two main parts, the first depicts Okonkwo's journey within traditional culture, while the second showcases the invasion of Western civilization, leading to the collapse of indigenous values.
Interestingly, despite the title "Things Fall Apart," the first part is considerably longer than the latter. This may suggest the author's desire to delve deeper into the richness of African tribal culture, highlighting its destruction in the latter part.
Furthermore, the title of the book the British District Commissioner is writing, "The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger," hints at a silent resistance against the derogatory portrayal of indigenous culture as primitive by Western civilization.
Final Thoughts
Why did Okonkwo choose to commit suicide? It's perplexing that a man's suicide is seen as a defiance against the Earth Goddess. Okonkwo, who valued tradition and harbored a strong complex about masculinity, chose to depart from tradition and opt for an unmanly suicide. Perhaps it's because the situation of the tribe, crumbling and powerless in the face of the powerful firearms wielded by the white men, made it impossible for him to maintain his dignity. When it became impossible for him to uphold his dignity as a man, death was the only option left for him.
Even after reading the book, certain words lingered in my mind for quite some time. "Eunwoye," "Eunna's child," "Eundiche." Such beautiful language. This feels like my first encounter with African literature. It felt more like reading a well-written anthropological report or watching a documentary than a literary work.