1. Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe
Andrew Saiz Per. 7

2. Author Background
Born 16 November 1930
Nigerian
Novelist poet professor critic
Earned a scholarship to the University of Ibadan.
Most famous for Things Fall Apart which is the most widely read book in African literature.

3. Context/ Setting Child of a Protestant missionary and his
upbringing was multicultural.
In the 1950s, Achebe was a founder of a
Nigerian literary movement.
Things Fall Apart was a response to
offensive novels, such as Joseph Conrad’s
Heart of Darkness, that depict Africans as
a primitive, socially backward, and language-less people.
Achebe wanted to expand understanding of one African culture and, in so doing, give voice to an underrepresented and exploited colonial subject.
Set in the 1980’s in Lower Nigerian villages, Iguedo, Mbanta and Umuofia in particular.

4. Character Analysis
Okonkwo: A strong and powerful member of the Ibo tribe. His every
action is based on not becoming a failure like his father Unoka. He is a
tragic hero, in that he does indeed become a failure, which leads him to
death.

5. Character Analysis
Nwoye: He is Okonkwo’s first son. He had always sat in the shadow
of another such as his adopted brother Ikemefuna. Such comparison’s
may have motivated his decision to convert to the Christian religion. He
is a factor in Okonkwo’s emotional quarrels.

6. Character Analysis
Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith: These two are very similar in that they are
both white missionary leaders. Their charismatic influence causes
a culture change as well as negative vibe between some the tribe and
them.

7. Plot Synopsis
Tribal Activities (wrestling tournaments, celebrations, rituals etc)
Okonkwo adopts Ikemefuna in reaction to crime.
He kills him in an act of obedience to the gods.
He inadvertently shoots a child in the tribe and is exiled, along with his family.
White missionaries arrive in Mbanta, Okonkwo does not approve.
The family returns to Umuofia to find a very different culture, dictated by the white men.
Okonkwo’s son Nwoye conforms to the Christian religion and is disowned by his family.
After events continue to get worse, Okonkwo commits suicide.

8. Themes/ Motifs Strength: The main theme of the book. It is
important because it shapes Okonkwo into the
character that he is, which affects those
around him, usually, in this case, in a negative
way.
Language: Not only does it contrast the white
men from the African’s, it also fuels Achebe’s
point that African’s are not primitive.
Locusts/ Darkness: Both of these are a warning of failure. Locusts
arrive in their dark clouds and swarm aimlessly and untamable nature.
When darkness attacks it even challenges the strength and heart of the
strongest.
Fire: It is an example of the fear and anger that Okonkwo demonstrates,
it also alludes to destruction.

9. Literary/ Rhetorical Techniques
A series of symbolism, allegory and imagery lead to development
towards plot and a greater understanding of the culture.
It is told from the third person omniscient perspective.
The title is significant in itself, in that the entire book revolves around it.
Themes, motifs, symbols, allegories, plot, or any elements in general
point towards it.