Things fall apart (key quotes) Flashcards
“Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond.”
okonkwos reputation
Introduces Okonkwo’s fame and sets up his pride as central to his character.
“Umuofia was feared by all its neighbors.”
umuofias strength
Illustrates the strength and unity of the Igbo society before colonization.
“Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.”
language and wisdom
Highlights the importance of language and wisdom in Igbo culture.
“Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered.”
individual success
Emphasizes individual success in the Igbo community.
“When a man says yes, his chi says yes also.”
destiny
Reflects the Igbo belief in destiny and personal agency.
“He had no patience with unsuccessful men.”
okonkwos fear for weakness
Reveals Okonkwo’s disdain for weakness, rooted in his fear of resembling his father.
“Living fire begets cold, impotent ash.”
rigid masculinity
Metaphor for Okonkwo’s rigid masculinity leading to alienation.
“Okonkwo’s fame rested on solid personal achievements.”
importance of hard work
Shows the value of hard work and societal contribution in Igbo culture.
“Nwoye’s callow mind was greatly puzzled.”
nwoyes internal conflict
Marks Nwoye’s internal conflict and foreshadows his rebellion against tradition.
“He mourned for the clan, which he saw breaking up and falling apart.”
okonkwos sadness of the colonisation
Okonkwo’s despair at the erosion of traditional values due to colonization.
“The clan was like a lizard; if it lost its tail, it soon grew another.”
resiience of igbo culture
Speaks to the resilience of Igbo culture, though it is later tested.
“An abominable religion has settled among you.”
criticism of the missonaries
Criticism of the Christian missionaries and their impact on traditional beliefs.
“He knew it was right to kill Ikemefuna.”
okonkwo and society over personal emotions
Shows Okonkwo’s prioritization of societal expectations over personal emotions.
“Nwoye was developing into a sad-faced youth.”
okonkwo rejecting nwoye
Foreshadows his eventual rejection of Okonkwo’s values and conversion to Christianity.
“His life had been ruled by a great passion.”
okonkwos obsessive drive
Describes Okonkwo’s obsessive drive to avoid weakness.
