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Overview of 'Things Fall Apart' Themes

May 14, 2025

Lecture Notes: "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe

Introduction

  • Main Character: Okonkwo
    • Wealthy and respected warrior in the Umuofia clan
    • Haunted by his father's irresponsible past
    • Strives to be the opposite of his father

Key Characters

  • Okonkwo

    • Warrior, farmer, and provider
    • Concerned about his son Nwoye's perceived laziness
  • Nwoye

    • Okonkwo's 12-year-old son
    • Worries Okonkwo due to his laziness
  • Ikemefuna

    • 15-year-old boy sent to live with Okonkwo's family
    • Becomes a son-like figure to Okonkwo
    • Killed by Okonkwo to avoid appearing weak

Major Events

  • Week of Peace

    • Okonkwo beats his wife, breaking sacred peace
    • Makes sacrifices, but reputation suffers
  • Ikemefuna's Death

    • Oracle orders Ikemefuna's death
    • Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna to show strength
    • Causes depression in Okonkwo and distress in Nwoye
  • Okonkwo’s Exile

    • Gun accident kills a clan member’s son
    • Okonkwo exiled for seven years
    • Moves to his mother’s village, Mbanta

The Arrival of the Missionaries

  • Mr. Brown

    • Introduces Christianity to the villagers
    • Preaches about one true God
  • Reverend James Smith

    • Replaces Mr. Brown
    • Allows more freedom for followers
  • Conflict with Traditional Beliefs

    • Enoch unmasks an egwugwu
    • Enoch’s house and church are burned
    • District Commissioner reacts by imprisoning village leaders

Climax and Resolution

  • Okonkwo's Final Acts

    • Kills court messenger, expecting uprising
    • Realizes clan is not ready for war
    • Commits suicide
  • Commissioner's Perspective

    • Considers Okonkwo’s story for a book
    • Views suicide as a sin

Conclusion

  • Themes
    • Clash between traditional Igbo society and new colonial influence
    • Personal struggle against societal changes

Additional Notes

  • Okonkwo’s troubled relationship with his father influences his actions.
  • Nwoye’s transformation and distancing from Okonkwo.
  • Symbolism of locusts and the missionaries' arrival.