"Things Fall Apart"

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at how "Things Fall Apart", written in 1958 just before Nigerian independence, demonstrates the violent societal conflict that resulted from British colonialism and the arrival of the missionaries at the end of the nineteenth century. The paper contrasts the Western culture with the Ibo culture and highlights the main differences between them. The paper also shows how the main character, Okonokwo, is a representation of his entire clan and other similar cultures who, through the centuries, have lost their traditions through the assault of imperialism.

From the Paper:

"Briefly, the novel Things Fall Apart takes place in a late-1800s Nigerian Ibo village of Umuofia, prior to the arrival of the first Christian missionaries and British officials. The main character, Okonkwo, represents the tragic hero who status and prestige, bravery, wealth and a strong desire to succeed to make up for his father's failings. However, as a tragic figure, Okonkwo's human flaws contribute to his downfall. More broadly, however, Okonkwo represents "every man" who must have a strong enough self-image and personal integrity to battle new ways and customs from a competitive culture."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Fawcett Press, 1959.
• ________________. "The Role of the Writer in a New Nation." African Writers on African Writing. Ed. G.D. Killam. Evanston: Northwestern University Press, 1978. 7-13.
• Isichei, Elizabeth. Ibo and Christian Beliefs: Some Aspects of a Theological Encounter. African Affairs 68.271 (1969): 121-134.
• Leonard, A.G. The Lower Niger and its Tribes. London: MacMillan, 1906.
• Mair, L. An Introduction to Social Anthropology. London: Oxford, 1965.

More papers on "Things Fall Apart":

• Essay # 137720 : "The End of Clan Unity – Things Fall Apart"
• Book Review # 73875 : "Characterization in Achebe's "Things Fall Apart"
• Book Review # 73851 : "Setting in Achebe's "Things Fall Apart"
• Book Review # 71173 : "Things Fall Apart"

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