Why is the book called things fall apart. What is the book Things Fall Apart about? 2022-10-12
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The book "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe is called that because it refers to the collapse of the Igbo society in Nigeria during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The title is a reference to a line in the poem "The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats, which reads "Turning and turning in the widening gyre / The falcon cannot hear the falconer; / Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold."
This line captures the theme of the novel, which is the breakdown of traditional Igbo society and culture as a result of the arrival of European colonizers and the spread of Christianity. The falcon represents the Igbo people and the falconer represents their cultural traditions and values. The widening gyre represents the chaos and turmoil caused by the arrival of the Europeans, and the fact that the falcon cannot hear the falconer suggests that the Igbo people are no longer able to hear and follow the guidance of their cultural traditions.
In the novel, the main character Okonkwo is a proud and successful member of the Igbo society, but he is unable to adapt to the changes brought about by the Europeans. He becomes increasingly disillusioned and angry as he witnesses the erosion of traditional Igbo values and the loss of power and influence for the Igbo people. Ultimately, Okonkwo's inability to accept these changes leads to his downfall and the ultimate collapse of the Igbo society.
The title "Things Fall Apart" therefore captures the theme of the novel and the devastating impact of colonization on the Igbo people and their culture. It is a poignant and powerful reminder of the consequences of cultural conflict and the importance of understanding and respecting the traditions and values of different societies.
Controversial Idea Of Banning The Book Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe: [Essay Example], 1078 words GradesFixer
Okonkwo attributes his survival of that year to his own strong will, but in doing so he does not learn the lesson that even great strength, will, and hard work are not always enough to withstand greater forces of fate or luck such as the whims of nature. Lincolnwood, Illinois: NTC Publishing Group, 1994. Okonkwo later says that since he survived that awful year, he'll survive anything. What does the title things Fall Apart mean? As is typical of the Igbos, the Umuofians valued and respected wealth, placing the wealthy firmly at the top of the social hierarchy even though theirs was essentially a democratic system without clear rulers. What is the theme of conflict in Things Fall Apart? She is very similar to her father, and this is made apparent when she matures into a beautiful young woman who refuses to marry during her family's exile, instead choosing to help her father regain his place of respect within society.
Although she falls in love with Okonkwo after seeing him in a wrestling match, she marries another man because Okonkwo is too poor to pay her bride price at that time. On the other hand, the greedy tortoise become a dictatorship that broke the rules in nature, it made it punishable appropriately. It has come to be seen as the archetypal modern African novel in English, and is read in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Retrieved 14 September 2020. Okonkwo wonders why the Umuofians have not incited violence to rid the village of the white man's church and oppressive government.
When they carried him away, he brought his flute with him. What is the main idea of Things Fall Apart? After the coming of the locusts, Ogbuefi Ezeuder, the oldest man in the village, relays to Okonkwo a message from the Oracle. Consequently, the villagers killed the white man. Nine clan leaders, including Okonkwo, represent the spirits of their ancestors. But Reverend Smith is nothing like Mr. But how is Things Fall Apart still relevant schoolwork material in this day and age? Okonkwo made his fortune himself, with no help from his father. He is a warrior and wrestler who gains respect through his athletics.
This allows the reader to examine the effects of European colonialism from a different perspective. Once religious changes began to take place, it became obvious to the Ibo people that that was not the only change that would occur in Umuofia. Caught between his rage that the nine villages would succumb to European rule and the futility of fighting the Europeans alone, Okonkwo retreats to his compound and hangs himself. The consequences of this contact are quickly revealed as Achebe artistically introduces the reader to the changes that have taken place on various levels among the Ibo people indigenous to the region. Achebe more frequently uses the name Umuofia to refer to Okonkwo's home village of Iguedo.
When choosing how he would represent white European colonialists and missionaries, he quite intelligently decided to offer various depictions of the white man, such as the benevolent Mr. Obierika says that Okonkwo's act will upset the Earth and the earth goddess will seek revenge. Throughout the whole novel we see the Ibo tribe fall apart due to the arrival of Christian missionaries and the control of the English government. Suddenly, Okonkwo jumps forward and beheads the man in charge of the messengers with his machete. Okonkwo's father, Unoka, was a lazy and wasteful man. Obierika stores Okonkwo's yams in his barn and wonders about the old traditions of the Igbo culture. From this event, one can see that Okonkwo's hopes dreams have begun to fall apart.
Why Things Fall Apart: [Essay Example], 1576 words GradesFixer
In such a diverse nation, it is only the languages introduced by the colonisers that would serve as a common language: English becomes the only medium of expression. Okonkwo believes that the man speaks nonsense, but his son, Nwoye, is captivated and becomes a convert of Christianity. Okonkwo brought him a kola nut and waited until the meal and small talk were finished before asking for some yams to sow. The novel depicts the tragedy of an individual as well as the tragedy of a society. In retaliation, the egwugwu burn Enoch's compound and then destroy the Christian church because the missionaries have caused the Igbo people many problems.
Significance of the Title of the Novel 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe
It is felt that the repression of the Igbo language at the end of the novel contributes greatly to the destruction of the culture. Also Okonkwo lost faith with most of his friends. The notion of balance in the novel is an important theme throughout the book. The religion of the Igbos consisted in the belief that there is a suspense God, the creator of the universe and the lesser gods. He makes an effort to learn about the Igbo culture and becomes friendly with some of the clan leaders. Okonkwo is definitely a man of importance for his society. Nwakibie granted him 800 yams, a more generous offer than Okonkwo had thought he would receive, and Okonkwo left feeling happy.
Obierika's own son, Maduka, is greatly admired by Okonkwo for his wrestling prowess. Ekwefi follows secretly, in spite of Chielo's admonitions, and waits at the entrance of the Oracle. He is also respected because of his wealth. As a result, the people of Umuofia finally gather for what could be a great uprising. The leaders arrive, and are quickly seized.
Why is the book things fall apart called things fall apart?
His father murders the wife of an Umuofia man, and in the resulting settlement of the matter, Ikemefuma is put into the care of Okonkwo. Ezinma often contradicts and challenges her father, which wins his adoration, affection, and respect. Why did the author choose Things Fall Apart as a title? Women also have some importance in society. Things Fall Apart is regarded as a milestone in African literature. But when he suffers, his whole tribe also suffers. Caught between his rage that the nine villages would succumb to European rule and the futility of fighting the Europeans alone, Okonkwo retreats to his compound and hangs himself.
