THINGS FALL APART Flashcards
Theme: clash of cultures
The novel explores the tension between traditional Igbo culture and the influences of Western colonialism and Christianity. This is seen in Okonkwo’s resistance to change versus Nwoye’s acceptance of the new faith.
Theme: Masculinity and Gender Roles
Okonkwo equates masculinity with strength and authority, and he rejects anything perceived as “weak” or “feminine.” This rigid view shapes his downfall and influences his relationships with his family.
Theme: Fate vs. Free Will
Okonkwo’s life is shaped by his desire to defy his father’s legacy, but fate (or chi) also plays a significant role, as his downfall is partly beyond his control.
Okonkwo
The protagonist, a respected leader in Umuofia. Driven by a fear of weakness, he often acts impulsively and struggles to adapt to societal change, leading to his tragic downfall.
Nwoye
: Okonkwo’s eldest son, who is sensitive and struggles with his father’s expectations. He eventually converts to Christianity, symbolizing the generational and cultural divide.
Ikemefuna
: A boy from another village who lives with Okonkwo’s family as part of a peace settlement. His tragic death profoundly affects Nwoye and foreshadows Okonkwo’s downfall.
Mr. Brown
A missionary who uses respectful dialogue to win converts. He represents a more understanding and conciliatory approach to colonialism.
Reverend Smith
Mr. Brown’s successor, who is uncompromising and confrontational. His methods escalate tensions between the Igbo and the colonizers.
main themes
Masculinity
Ambition
Power
Religion
Fate vs freewill
Family
Respect and reputation
Fear
Tradition vs. change
Language
Pride
Colonialism
Death
Symbol: The Locusts
The arrival of locusts symbolizes both abundance and destruction, mirroring the coming of the colonizers and the disruption they bring to Igbo society.
Symbol: Fire
Okonkwo is often associated with fire, which represents both his passion and destructive tendencies. He describes himself as “a roaring flame,” reflecting his nature.
Context: Colonialism
Set in pre-colonial Nigeria, the novel explores the impact of British colonization on traditional Igbo society and culture.
Symbol: Yams
Yams are a symbol of masculinity, wealth, and success in Igbo culture. They represent Okonkwo’s ambition and societal standing.
Context: Achebe’s Intention
Achebe wrote the novel to counter colonial narratives that portrayed African societies as primitive and chaotic. He wanted to show the complexity and richness of Igbo culture.
ezinma
Okonkwo’s favorite daughter, who he wishes had been born a boy. Ezinma represents hope and potential, challenging traditional gender expectations.
ekwefi
Okonkwo’s second wife and Ezinma’s mother. She has a deep bond with her daughter and represents maternal resilience and love.
Obierika
Okonkwo’s close friend, who is thoughtful and critical of certain traditions. He represents a contrast to Okonkwo’s impulsive nature.
Unoka
Okonkwo’s father, whose failure and debt cause Okonkwo great shame. Unoka’s life influences Okonkwo’s obsession with strength and success.
list of intentions
- To show what life was like in pre-colonial Nigeria
- To celebrate, respect or explore traditional Igbo customs and beliefs
- To show the grandeur and the weakness of pre-colonial Igbo society
- To redress the balance of historical accounts of colonisation
- To criticise colonisation
- To criticise the ideas behind colonialism
- To emphasise the tragedy and tragic effects of colonisation
first wife
never named
third wife name
Ojiugo
when is the book set
end of 19th century
how do they treat women
- Have a bride price ( essentially are bought)
- Marry at very young age (16) to men that were older (25)
- Objectification of women was very common ( she was ripe for marriage)- comparison to fruit
what happens in part 1
- okonkwo rules with a strong hand
- he is famous in his village and throughout
- shameful of his father
- ikemefuna is brought to live with him
- okonkwo disrupts the week of peace
- ikemefuna becomes close to everyone in the family
- the elders tell okonkwo ikemefuna needs to be killed but not by him, okonkwo does it anyway
- nwoye is deeply affected, and okonkwo also shows vulnerability
- Ezinma gets sick and is brought to Chielo
- okonkwo accidentally kills ezeudu’s son
- okonkwo is banished for 7 years to his motherland
who is uchendu
his uncle
what happens in part 2
- he is welcomed by his uncle
- starts tor build a farm but is in despair, his uncle scolds him and tells him the importance of motherland
- obierika visits him in his 2nd year bringing some money from his crop and a story that white men had killed an entire village
- after another 2 years obierika returns with news that 2 missionaries have arrived in umuofia and built a church
- its revealed that Nwoye joined the church and disowned his father
- missionaries ask for land and recieve the evil forest where everyone thinks they’ll die
- they don’t die and recieve more recriuts as they’ve shown power
- nwoye permanently joins the missionaries after okonkwo attacks him
- the sacred python is killed by the ‘osu’ but nothing really happens as they don’t want to fight
- okonkwo’s exile ends and makes a big feast to express his gratitude
what are osu
outcasts
who is mr kiaga
missionary leader
what happens in part 3
- has kept his daughters from marriage until they arrived back in umuofia, but is appalled when he says how things have spiralled
- mr brown and an elder talk a lot, peacefully but don’t convert each other
- mr brown builds schools and hospital
- then he gets sick and needs to leave
- okonkwo learns nwoye is called isaac and is training to be a teacher
- he decides he won’t introduce his sons in the ozo yet
- mr browns replacement mr smith is more strict
- Enoch kills an egwugwu which enrages the clan
- the clan allow the christians to stay but the church is burned down
- okonkwo and other leqaders are invited to the white government
- when they get there they are imprisoned and shaved their heads for 3 days
- clan pays their release
- next day a village meeting is called, and white messengers arrive to break it up, but okonkwo decapitates the leader
- the clan doesn’t respond with aggression and happiness which makes okonkwo understand they won’t go to war and he is sad and demoralised
- district commissioner arrives in umuofia to learn that okonkwo commited suicide
- obierika tells him its all his fault and that okonkwo was a great man but the commissioner sees it as an addition to his book
