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.
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.
Characters and Character Development
The characters in Things Fall Apart are complex and well-developed. Okonkwo is the protagonist of the novel, and his character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the story. Okonkwo is a man of great strength and ambition, 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.
Other important characters in the novel include Okonkwo’s wife, Ekwefi, his children, Nwoye and Ezinma, and his friend, Obierika. These characters are all well-developed and contribute to the overall story.
Theme and Message
The theme of Things Fall Apart is the clash between traditional African culture and the forces of colonialism. The novel explores the ways in which colonialism disrupts traditional ways of life and forces people to adapt to new and unfamiliar cultures. The novel also explores the individual’s struggle to maintain his or her identity in the face of change.
Writing Style
The writing style in Things Fall Apart is clear and concise. Achebe uses simple language to tell a complex story. The novel is also rich in imagery and symbolism, which helps to create a vivid and memorable portrayal of Igbo culture.
Pros and Cons of Things Fall Apart novel
Pros:
- Well-written and engaging story
- Complex and well-developed characters
- Insightful portrayal of African culture
- Thought-provoking exploration of the themes of colonialism, cultural collision, and the individual’s struggle to maintain his or her identity in the face of change
Cons:
- Some readers may find the violence in the novel to be disturbing
- The novel’s ending may be unsatisfying for some readers
Overall, Things Fall Apart is a well-written and insightful novel that offers a unique perspective on the impact of colonialism on African culture. The novel is not without its flaws, but its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.
Here are some additional thoughts on the pros and cons of Things Fall Apart:
- The violence in the novel is realistic and reflects the harsh realities of life in pre-colonial Africa. However, some readers may find the violence to be too graphic or disturbing.
- The novel’s ending is ambiguous and open to interpretation. This may be unsatisfying for some readers who are looking for a clear-cut resolution. However, the ambiguity of the ending also allows readers to reflect on the novel’s themes and to come to their own conclusions.
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy Things Fall Apart will depend on your personal preferences. However, if you are interested in African culture, colonialism, or the individual’s struggle to maintain his or her identity in the face of change, then I highly recommend reading this novel.
Comparison to Other Works
Things Fall Apart has been compared to other novels that deal with the theme of colonialism, such as Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. However, Things Fall Apart is unique in its portrayal of African culture and its insights into the individual’s struggle to maintain his or her identity in the face of change.
Where to Read the Novel
Things Fall Apart is available in print and ebook formats from a variety of publishers. It can also be read online for free at Project Gutenberg.
Conclusion
Things Fall Apart is a classic novel that is well worth reading. It is a powerful and moving story that tells the tale of a man and a culture caught up in the forces of change. The novel is well-written and engaging, and it offers insights into the human condition that are still relevant today.
