Abstract
The paper notes that Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" is a remarkable novel. Simple yet powerful, it evokes a strong response that is at times physical, even visceral. The paper argues that Achebe masterfully recreates for us a word-picture of a society of the past, a society that has been destroyed by colonialism. Just as that society evolved for centuries before being destroyed, so too in "Things fall Apart" Achebe spends two-thirds of the book describing village life, then records its sudden devastation in Part III.

Tags:achebe, colonialism, response

Abstract
This paper discusses how the the writings of Chinua Achebe and Sembene Ousmane offer examples of hope through the position of nationalistic identity. The paper examines how leadership that is necessary to teach a new set of cultural values and institutions is important for materializing a new nation-state for Kangan and Senegal. The paper further discusses how although Achebe writes about post-colonial domination, the imperialistic Europeans seem to always dissolve any local cultural faith within African communities.

From the Paper
"This literary study will analyze the colonial and nationalistic hopes of Africans within 'The Anthills of Savannah' by Chinua Achebe and 'God's Bits of Wood' by Sembene Ousmane. By analyzing the hope of a new nationalism for Africans in these two works, one can realize how a new society can be formed against the domination of colonial powers. In essence, the fight against colonialism within these two novels reflects a nationalistic identity for Africans to overcome their European oppressors. In the novel God's Bits of Wood Ousmane reflects the different colonial forms of oppression during a railway strike by the people of Senegal. The hope that is provided by Sembene is reflected through the leaders of strike, and how they must create a new revolutionary identity to thwart French exploitation of their work."

Tags:achebe, ousmane, african

Abstract
This paper discusses the use and effect of the Nigerian setting in Chinua Achebe's novel, "Things Fall Apart." The paper also examines Achebe's decision to write the novel in English for Western audiences.

From the Paper
"Setting of Achebe's "Things Fall Apart." In "Things Fall Apart" Chinua Achebe introduces his audience to a world completely different from the one in which they live. He writes the novel in English instead of his native Nigerian, thus it is apparent that he means this work to be witnessed by Western cultures rather than those whom he writes about."

Tags:chinua achebe, things fall apart, colonialism, setting

Abstract
The paper looks at how Chinua Achebe defines a patriarchal Igbo society that is extremely polarized, and which rejects a more integrated maternal role of women within its religious and political institutions. The paper shows how this is one reason why the tribe falls apart, making it susceptible to the British colonial Christian missionaries that break down the religious culture of the tribe.

Tags:chinua, achebe, apart

Abstract
This paper applies the sociological theories of symbolic interaction, social action, structuralism, functionalism and humanist Marxism to analyze the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. The author points out that the protagonist Okonkwo, who is a native of the Ibo tribe within Nigeria, represents the archetype of the tribal warrior for his culture. The paper relates that, by presenting different perspectives within the Ibo tribe and within the main character Okonkwo, one can understand the different forces that invent and affect the way of life of these oppressed peoples.

From the Paper
"This literary analysis will evaluate five sociological theories that apply to the problem of Nigerian colonialism within the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. By discussing how Symbolic Interaction, Social Action, Structuralism, Functionalism, and Humanist Marxism form the central core of Chinua's evaluation of British Imperialism and the behaviors of his main character, Okonkwo. By learning how colonialism changes the social construct of Ibo culture, Okonkwo maintains his loyalty to his tribe and resistance to the British that seek to `westernize' his way of life. The micro-sociological perspective of Symbolic Interaction that resides within Achebe's novel is based around Okonkwo's resistance to British Imperialist values. Okonkwo is a native of the Ibo tribe within Nigeria, and he represents the archetype of the tribal warrior for his culture."

Tags:sociology, achebe, history

Abstract
This paper examines culture, society, and gender roles in Chinua Achebe's novel about survival of native clans in pre-colonial societies along the Niger River in "Things Fall Apart". The author discusses how Igbo tribal members dealt with gender restrictions.

From the Paper
"Achebe's use of the motif "agbala" in Things Fall Apart showed the importance of clear and distinct gender roles to the survival of the Igbo. In spite of Okonkwo's profound fear of being seen as weak or womanly, most men in the male dominated society still accorded respect toward women. The roles were re-enforced among the Igbo through conscious identification with one's own gender, by the religious structure and the social mores. The language, specifically the terms and phrases they used which were reflected in the narration, effectively integrated gender, religion and social mores to help the Igbo survive as a people."

Tags:achebe, chinua, igbo, okonkwo, women, gender, violence, respect, tribe, niger, obierka, wife, agbala

Abstract
The paper provides a discussion of the use and effect of characterization in Chinua Achebe's novel, "Things Fall Apart." The paper explains how the author creates round and dynamic characters to support his themes.

From the Paper
"In "Things Fall Apart" Chinua Achebe creates round dynamic characters in order to support the major themes and philosophical goals of the novel. Even though the characters exist in a world far removed from Achebe's intended audience, he has created them such that any audience can read the characters, understand their motivations and ultimately relate to them. This works especially well with the major characters that drive the story as they seem real to us and make real human mistakes."

Tags:chinua achebe, things fall apart, characters

Abstract
An examination of how Nigerian author Chinua Achebe was influenced by his experiences and how that is reflected in his novel, "Anthills of the Savannah."

From the Paper
" 'We . . . are committed to reclaiming the rich heritage of Africa, every inch of it, and redrawing the contours of African history which in the hands of others had been drawn . . . with great malice and lurid falsehood' (Achebe, Colonial Criticism, Hopes and Impediments, 85). Upon examination of Anthills of the Savannah and Achebe's earlier works, this quotation from a 1974 essay proves to be a mission statement for the author. Achebe writes out of an African experience and of a commitment to an African destiny (Achebe, Colonial Criticism, Hopes and Impediments, 74). While his earlier themes concern a clashing of cultures between European colonists and African traditionalists and the emergence of national independence from Western regimes, Anthills of the Savannah deals with Africa's post-colonial political and cultural turmoil. His greatest endeavor is to tell Africa's story from the point of view of the African; he aims to set the record straight, for prior to his literature most African tales were told from a Western perspective, (Wren, p.77)."

Tags:achebe, africa, nigeria, colonialism, savannah

Abstract
This paper supplies a brief yet concise background of Nigerian born writer Albert Chinualumogu Achebe and the influences that his strict religious training had on his unique writing style. This delves into the Igbo (pronounced Ibo) society, that is at times considered primitive by western occidental standards, as depicted in Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart." This paper explores the plot and characters in the novel as well as Achebe's obvious sexist attitude which is unabashed and without apology. The narrative novel format fulfills Achebe's need for African context which is demonstrated throughout the book. The format of the novel allows the author the freedom to establish his goal of pointing out the detrimental effects of occidental and colonial influences upon the Igbo tribe. Throughout part one of the novel, the author clearly describes the male dominated Igbo society. However, in the latter stages of the narrative, the author allows the seeds of doubt concerning true control to seep into the plot and story line. Achebe sums up the futility of the Igbo society in the face of the dreaded white man and his religions and politics very clearly in chapters 24 and 25.

Table of Contents:
Thesis Statement
Author's Background
The Reasons for the "Narrative Novel," Format
The Results of the Subtle Changes of Parts II and III
Bibliography

From the Paper
"The narrative novel format of Things Fall Apart fulfills the need for African context and this demonstrates itself throughout the work. The novel format in addition allows the author the freedom to establish his purpose (the detrimental effects of occidental and colonial influences upon the Ibo tribe). This carries out his story line in a logical and chronological manner maintaining his point of view. It has also brought upon him many detractors particularly among feminist, politicians (particularly the despotic ones), and even among other tribesmen from other nations of Sub-Saharan Africa. These facts and others support well the thesis that "primitive," as the ways of his tribesmen were, they form the Ibo point of view far superior to the influences of the occidental and colonial rules being forced upon them."

Tags:literature, africa, nigeria, culture, history

Abstract
This paper explores the works of noted twentieth century African writer Chinua Achebe, citing his best known novels and poems as examples of literary finesse. The paper describes Achebe as writing with an intense purpose which often points to his people in Africa. First, the paper gives a brief overview of his novel "Things Fall Apart", highlighting major themes and character development. Then the novel "Civil Peace" is discussed, as are several of Achebe's poems. The paper concludes by stating that the condition of man and how he copes with his ever-changing environment is one of Achebe's most significant trademarks.

From the Paper
"Achebe's most celebrated work is Things Fall Apart, a novel set within the aboriginal tribe of Africa. It is one of a few novels that examines this life without contempt. The novel's most prominent issue is associated with change. Change is very rarely welcomed and when it is forced upon people, it becomes much like tyranny. The novel begins in a village that is surviving well in its own world. We re introduced to Okonkwo, the man who is like any other man. Okonkwo and the other villagers have existed in their current state for years and they are progressing as nature deems fit. Change occurs when the missionaries arrive and bring their new religion as well as their interesting characters. The clash of these two cultures is what Achebe chooses to focus on. As we watch these two types of people interact with one another, we begin to see how one is essentially intruding upon the other."