Crash Course Literature: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Overview

• Set in: Late 19th century Nigeria, written in 1958 during the decline of colonial rule in Africa.
• Importance: Challenges European stereotypes of Africans as savages; emphasizes recognizing Africans as humans.
• Themes: Colonial impact, power dynamics, fear, and cultural conflict.

Main Character: Okonkwo

• Reputation: Known for strength, wrestling prowess, and personal achievements.
• Background: Overcame poverty and misfortune to become a clan leader.
• Fear: Haunted by his father Unoka's failures; fears weakness and failure.
• Behavior: Driven by fear to seek power; despises gentleness and idleness.
• Personality: Often angry and violent; "walks on springs" ready to attack.

Key Events

Okonkwo’s Mistakes

1. Week of Peace Violation: Ferociously beats wife and attempts to shoot her; breaks sacred tradition.
   • Signifies his belief that gentleness signifies weakness.
2. Murder of Ikemefuna: Kills a boy he considers a son to avoid being perceived as weak.
   • Reflects his inability to show emotions other than anger.
3. Accidental Killing: Gun explodes, killing a clan member during a funeral; results in exile.
   • Irony in "female" murder and his avoidance of femininity.

Exile and Return

• Exile Consequence: Flees after accidental death; home destroyed.
• Community Beliefs: Elders' proverb reflects fear of communal punishment.
• Return: Finds a changed society with Christian missionaries and converts.

Colonial Influence

• Missionaries and Empire: Arrival during Okonkwo’s exile; son Nwoye converts, causing familial tension.
• Cultural Shift: Christian church and British Empire bring changes in Igbo society.
• Community's Weakness: Initially strengthens, later destabilizes due to obsession with strength.

Themes and Analysis

• Power and Fear: Okonkwo's fear drives destructive behavior; community’s fear yields instability.
• Cultural Commentary: Achebe exposes both European and Igbo failures to recognize humanity in others.
• Current Relevance: Reflects ongoing struggles to see all humans as equal.

Conclusion and Reflection

• Fanon's Insight: Importance of questioning systems and redefining strength.
• Universal Lesson: Issues in "Things Fall Apart" relevant to modern societal challenges.

Closing Remarks

• Crash Course Support: Made possible by Subbable subscribers; encourages community support.
• Final Note: Reminder to prioritize human understanding and kindness.