Lecture Notes: Themes in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Introduction

• Things Fall Apart is a novel by Chinua Achebe.
• Explores internal life of Igbo society and impacts of colonialism.
• Not only about customs and traditions but also the choices of people and their consequences.
• Uses symbolism to convey themes in a detailed narrative.
• Major themes: Social life, religion, clan clashes, change, transformation, traditions, customs, beliefs, and dogmas.
• Title derived from W.B. Yeats' poem "The Second Coming" suggests the impact of colonialism.

Major Themes

Traditions, Rituals, and Practices

• Novel depicts the traditions and practices of the Igbo people.
• Address misconception that Nigerians lacked social order.
• Igbo society has its own life principles and dogmas.
• Masculinity: Traditional concept of head of the family should be strong (e.g., Okonkwo proves his worth through yams and multiple wives).
• Detailed depiction of ceremonies (e.g., new yam feast, storytelling, house decorations, head shaving).
• Tribes with unique rules but common overarching traditions.

Choices and Consequences

• Characters make significant choices affecting their lives.
• Okonkwo rejects his father’s lazy lifestyle, chooses hard work, gains respect.
• Okonkwo's son Nwoye's rebellion against his father by converting to Christianity.
• Ikemefuna’s hard work and tragic fate.
• Irony: Despite rejecting customs, many characters' choices still lead to their downfall.

Alienation and Loneliness

• Psychological depth depicting internal and external conflicts.
• Nwoye feels criticized by his father for criticism’s sake.
• Okonkwo’s exile and return to a changed society, feeling of alienation.
• Achebe portrays societal individualism; success needs solitary effort.
• Nwoye’s eventual acceptance of Christianity is a response to his isolation.

Disloyalty and Betrayal

• Okonkwo sees his society and own son as treacherous for embracing new customs.
• Illustrates disintegration of Igbo traditions facing colonial influence.

Change and Alteration

• The inevitability and impact of change within Igbo society.
• Shift from traditional beliefs to new religion (Christianity).
• Okonkwo’s resistance and eventual tragic choice (suicide) when faced with unmanageable change.
• Title Things Fall Apart symbolizes collapsing customs and traditions.

Colonialism

• Explores themes of colonialism and imperialism and their defects.
• Cultural and religious conflicts between Igbo and colonialists.
• Depicts devastating effects of colonial rule (e.g., destruction of villages, imposition of new social norms).
• Achebe remains neutral, showing both acceptance and rejection of new customs by the Igbo people.

Good vs. Evil

• Debate over old vs. new beliefs; determining which is "good" or "evil."
• Brutality within traditional Igbo decisions (e.g., Ikemefuna’s undeserved death).
• Introduction of a new moral order through Christianity impacting societal norms.

Cultural and Religious Conflicts

• Detailed depiction of cultural clashes between Igbo traditions and colonial influences.
• Early happiness and adherence to customs in Igbo society disrupted by arrival of white men.
• Depicts struggle to maintain traditional values amidst enforced change.
• Achebe portrays the complex dynamics of cultural and religious confrontations.

Conclusion

• Things Fall Apart masterfully combines personal, societal, and cultural themes, presenting a nuanced view of the impact of colonialism on traditional African society.