Diksia.com - Things Fall Apart is a novel by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, originally published in 1958. It is set in the late 19th century and tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud and ambitious Igbo man who is forced to confront the changes brought about by British colonialism.
Introduction
Things Fall Apart is a classic novel that has been widely acclaimed for its powerful storytelling, its insightful portrayal of Igbo culture, and its exploration of the themes of colonialism, cultural collision, and the individual’s struggle to maintain his or her identity in the face of change.
The novel is divided into three parts. The first part introduces Okonkwo, his family, and his community. Okonkwo is a man of great strength and ambition, but he is also a man of violence and anger. He is determined to achieve success and to make a name for himself, but his ambition often leads him to make rash decisions.
The second part of the novel tells the story of the arrival of the British in Okonkwo’s community. The British bring with them their own culture, their own religion, and their own laws. These changes threaten the traditional way of life in Okonkwo’s community, and Okonkwo is forced to confront the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The third part of the novel tells the story of Okonkwo’s downfall. He is eventually banished from his community for killing a man in a fit of anger. In exile, Okonkwo loses his sense of purpose and his identity. He eventually commits suicide, unable to come to terms with the changes that have taken place in his world.
Novel Details:
- Title: Things Fall Apart
- Author: Chinua Achebe
- Genres: Colonial literature, African literature, historical fiction
- Chapters: 25
- Language: English
- Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books
- Publication date: 1958
- Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
- Awards:
- Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1960
- Won the 1958 Margaret Wrong Memorial Prize
- Recommended Audience: Adults
Overview
Things Fall Apart is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of a man and a culture caught up in the forces of change. It is a classic novel that has been widely read and studied for its insights into the human condition and its exploration of the themes of colonialism, cultural collision, and the individual’s struggle to maintain his or her identity in the face of change.
Plot Summary
Things Fall Apart begins with the story of Okonkwo, a proud and ambitious Igbo man who is determined to achieve success. Okonkwo is a great wrestler and a successful farmer, but he is also a man of violence and anger. His ambition often leads him to make rash decisions, and he is eventually banished from his community for killing a man in a fit of anger.
