Things Fall Apart is the first book by the African author Chinua Achebe that captures the clash of old traditions of Nigerian tribes with colonialism. The book follows the story of Okonkwo, a masculine tribesman and a renowned wrestling champion. He was a prominent name in the Umuofia tribe and, over the years, has excelled in farming, providing for his family and three wives and their respective kids. However, things started to change with the arrival of the colonial and at the same time, Okonkwo’s life took a turn when a series of unfortunate events unfolded.
The traditions of Umuofia, or even any other tribe, were different compared to the new thought-provoking Christianity of the colonials. And as the interaction between the tribesman and white people began to take place, the clash of ideas started, increasing tension and changing the villages’ future. Okonkwo, a traditional tribesman, can not let the influence of Christianity take his values, but his chosen path leads to his demise.
A Strong Shell To Hide The Weakness
Okonkwo being a tough man, always resented his father, Unoka. He thought he was weak and always in need of help from others. He hated the way his father lived his life and labelled him a coward. For Okonkwo, the role of a man is to be strong and face any situation with complete confidence and preparation. That is why, from the beginning of his life, he wanted to be much better than his father and give his son a great life full of wealth and opportunity.
Okonkwo worked so hard that he had one of the best farms in the area, and on top of that, his courage and chivalry were displayed in his wrestling credentials. His three wives, as allowed by Umuofia culture, lived with him along with many children. Okonkwo seemed to be a capable man from the outside, but his temper and anger when he beat his wife, and children displayed his inability to cope with mistakes, even those done by others.
Choosing Tradition Over Instincts
When Ikmefuna, a small kid, was ordered by the village administration to live in Okonkwo, he had a new member. However, his presence lasted for some years as the oracle ordered Okonkwo to kill the kid to settle the dispute. Even though Okonkwo grew fond of the kid, he put his ego and pride over his love for the kid. He does not want to feel low in front of his people. He killed the kid just to honour his traditions and values in opposition to changing what he knew was instinctively evil for everyone.
An Unfortunate Event
During the death ceremony of an elderly in the village, Okonkwo and many other people were tasked with firing shots. However, one such shot misfired from Okonkwo’s rifle and hit the dead man’s kid. Even though it was an accident but according to the customs of the village, there is a price for every error. And Okonkwo was ready to face it along with his big family.
Seven Years Of Exile
After going into exile to his mother’s village, Okonkwo was accustomed to his new place; however, the memories of his original home and friends held a special place in his heart. From the very first day, he started to plan his return and the things on which he’ll work for growth and extent. Moreover, he was fully prepared to face the consequences of his actions, like having seven years in exile.
Clash Of Colonials And Forthcoming Of New Religion
With the upcoming colonial rule, village ideals clashed with the new teachings of Christianity. In the beginning, there were just a few interactions with the villagers and colonials, but with time the preaching of white men reached the mind of Okonkwo’s peers. Many of them converted and started to go to the church. The condition infuriated Okonkwo to such an extent that he couldn’t even tolerate the presence of white men.
For Okonkwo, everyone should live by their traditions and not interfere with others’ thoughts and beliefs. However, the situation was getting out of hand with an increasing number of converts in his mother village. But, it was all fair and square as long as Okonkwo’s family was out of the colonial evil thinking.
Betrayed For God
Okonkwo’s son Nwoye was greatly impressed by the new religion. However, Okonkwo dislikes this fact and beats him to death. It was only a matter of time before the day came when Nwoye left his family and never came. All the years of Okonkwo’s hardship to save and make an infrastructure for his family were ruined by Nwoye. But Okonkwo never had any expectations from Nwoye as the kid reminded him of his father.
Return To Homeland
After the completion of his exile, it was time for Okonkwo to go back to his village. He thanked his mother’s side family for their hardship and contribution in his exile. Upon returning, Okonkwo noticed the changes in his town because of colonialism and promised his peers to return his tradition to his village.
Things Fall Apart: The Only Fate Of Okonkwo
Okonkwo and his fellow leaders decided to stand against the new law and order of the colonials. However, they were caught amid their planning and were prosecuted. When they were released, there were no limits to Okonkwo’s rage. He was so vengeful that he wanted to rebel against the Church, but when he was approached by the Church messengers, he killed one of them.
He couldn’t face the situation alone, but no one was with him, so he decided to run away from the place. His body was found hanging in the nearby village, which was the end of his story.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What is the theme of the Things Fall Apart?
The book’s central theme is the clash of the Nigerian tradition with the new vision and teachings of colonials.
What is the central conflict of Things Fall Apart?
The central conflict occurs between Okonkwo, who represents the traditional Nigerian tradition, against the change brought by the white men.
What is the irony in Things Fall Apart?
The central irony of the story is that Okonkwo worked so hard to provide for his son so that he could carry on his legacy, but his son chose the path of Christianity and left him.
Nice read, great storytelling 👏