A Classic Review of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe showcases the impact of European colonialism on traditional African cultures, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding, adaptability, and the tragic consequences of denying the existence and value of indigenous societies.

In the book, Achebe explores the complexity and richness of pre-colonial Igbo society, highlighting its customs, religion, and social structures. He also shows the destructive impact of European colonialism on African communities, resulting in cultural erosion, loss of identity, and social disintegration. In the book we see a vivid portrayal of the protagonist, Okonkwo, and his struggles with masculinity, cultural change, and the inability to adapt, leading to his tragic downfall.

The book is divided into three parts. Part One: Okonkwo’s World – Introduces the life, customs, and beliefs of the Igbo people. Part Two: The Coming of the Europeans – Explores the arrival of colonial forces and their influence on the community. Part Three: The Return of the Europeans – Depicts the full impact of colonialism and its devastating consequences.

Things Fall Apart tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud and ambitious Igbo man who lives in Umofia, a pre-colonial village in Nigeria. The novel is set in the late 19th century, when the British are beginning to colonize Africa.

Okonkwo is a complex and sympathetic character. He is a great warrior and farmer, but he is also hot-tempered and violent. He is determined to succeed in life, but he is also haunted by the memory of his father, who was a failure.

As the British begin to encroach on Okonkwo’s village, he finds himself increasingly at odds with their ways. He refuses to convert to Christianity or to abandon his traditional Igbo beliefs. As a result, he is eventually exiled from his village.

Things Fall Apart is a powerful novel that explores the themes of colonialism, cultural identity, and the clash of cultures. It is a beautifully written and moving story that has had a profound impact on readers around the world.

Here are some of the things that make Things Fall Apart a great novel:

• The characters are complex and well-developed. Okonkwo is a particularly memorable character, but the other characters are also well-drawn and believable.
• The setting is vividly described. Achebe brings the world of pre-colonial Nigeria to life through his detailed descriptions of the village, the people, and the customs.
• The story is engaging and suspenseful. The reader is drawn into Okonkwo’s world and feels his pain and frustration as he struggles to come to terms with the changes that are taking place.
• The themes are important and thought-provoking. Things Fall Apart explores the complex issues of colonialism, cultural identity, and the clash of cultures.

• The novel is a valuable corrective to the many negative stereotypes about Africa that have been perpetuated in Western literature. Achebe shows that Africans were not savages, but rather had complex and sophisticated cultures.
• The novel is also a powerful indictment of colonialism. Achebe shows how the British colonizers destroyed African cultures and communities.
• Things Fall Apart is a timeless novel that speaks to the universal themes of identity, conflict, and change. It is a novel that will continue to be read and studied for many years to come.

Overall, Things Fall Apart is a powerful and moving novel that is sure to stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a classic of African literature that is essential reading for anyone interested in African history and culture.

Achebe in Things Fall Apart sows us that traditional African societies have their own systems, values, and dignity, which should be respected and understood. It is also obvious that Colonialism disrupts and destroys indigenous cultures, leading to immense suffering and loss. The importance of adapting to change, even in the face of external forces, to avoid personal and societal collapse is also a key theme.

“Things Fall Apart” is intended for a wide audience, including readers interested in African history, colonialism, cultural studies, and the impact of imperialism on indigenous communities. It appeals to those who value stories that shed light on the complexities and nuances of cultural clashes.

Since its publication in 1958, “Things Fall Apart” has received widespread critical acclaim. It is celebrated for its portrayal of African culture with nuance and depth, challenging colonial narratives and giving voice to previously marginalized perspectives. The book is considered a milestone in post-colonial literature and remains highly influential.

It is the first novel of Chinua Achebe, a renowned Nigerian author and scholar. He was born in 1930 in Nigeria and is considered one of Africa’s most influential writers. Achebe’s deep understanding of both African and Western cultures gives him a unique perspective on the impact of colonialism and the struggles of African societies.

Things Fall Apart can be purchased on Amazon

Books by Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe authored many books, including:

• Things Fall Apart (1958)
• No Longer at Ease (1960)
• Arrow of God (1964)
• A Man of the People (1966)
• Anthills of the Savannah (1987)
• Girls at War and Other Stories (1972)
• Chike and the River (1966)
• Morning Yet on Creation Day (1975)
• The Trouble with Nigeria (1983)
• Hopes and Impediments (1988)
• Home and Exile (2000)
• There Was a Country (2012)

He also edited several anthologies of African short stories, including African Short Stories (1985) and Hopes and Impediments (1988).

Achebe’s works have been translated into over 50 languages and have sold over 12 million copies worldwide. He is considered one of the most important writers in African literature.