1. Why did Achebe choose to take the title of his novel, Things Fall Apart, from William Butler Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming”? 2. What is the narrator’s point of view and what values are important to the narrator? 3. Achebe presents details of daily village life in Umuofia, as […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsStudy Help Full Glossary for Things Fall Apart
abomination anything hateful and disgusting. about sheep and goats / about wheat and tares Two frequently quoted teachings of Jesus relate to the need for separating the good from the bad. In one, he refers to separating the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32); in the other, separating the wheat […]
Read more Study Help Full Glossary for Things Fall ApartCritical Essays Use of Language in Things Fall Apart
Introduction Writers in Third World countries that were formerly colonies of European nations debate among themselves about their duty to write in their native language rather than in the language of their former colonizer. Some of these writers argue that writing in their native language is imperative because cultural subtleties […]
Read more Critical Essays Use of Language in Things Fall ApartCritical Essays Major Themes in Things Fall Apart
Introduction For many writers, the theme of a novel is the driving force of the book during its creation. Even if the author doesn’t consciously identify an intended theme, the creative process is directed by at least one controlling idea — a concept or principle or belief or purpose significant […]
Read more Critical Essays Major Themes in Things Fall ApartChinua Achebe Biography
Early Years Chinua Achebe (pronounced Chee-noo-ah Ah-chay-bay) is considered by many critics and teachers to be the most influential African writer of his generation. His writings, including the novel Things Fall Apart, have introduced readers throughout the world to creative uses of language and form, as well as to factual […]
Read more Chinua Achebe BiographyCharacter Analysis Reverend James Smith
Reverend Smith is a missionary who replaces Mr. Brown as the new head of the Christian church. Reverend Smith is strict and uncompromising, the opposite of Mr. Brown who was kind, compassionate, and accommodating. Reverend Smith is a stereotypical fire-and-brimstone preacher: “He [sees] things as black and white. And black […]
Read more Character Analysis Reverend James SmithCharacter Analysis Mr. Brown
Mr. Brown is the first white Christian missionary in Umuofia and Mbanta. He is a patient, kind, and understanding man. He is also open-minded and willing to make an effort to respect and understand the Igbo beliefs. Mr. Brown restrains overeager members of his church from provoking clan members; evidence […]
Read more Character Analysis Mr. BrownCharacter Analysis Obierika
Okonkwo’s best friend, Obierika serves as a foil for Okonkwo. That is, Obierika’s personality contrasts with and enhances the distinctive characteristics of Okonkwo’s personality. Obierika is a reasonable person who thinks before he acts, unlike Okonkwo, who is impulsive. Obierika does not advocate the use of violence to get revenge […]
Read more Character Analysis ObierikaCharacter Analysis Unoka
A tall, thin man with a slight stoop, Unoka was Okonkwo’s father. He appeared “haggard and mournful . . . except when he was drinking or playing his flute.” His favorite time of year was after the harvest when he joined with village musicians to make music and feast; Unoka’s […]
Read more Character Analysis UnokaCharacter Analysis Okonkwo
The protagonist of Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is also considered a tragic hero. A tragic hero holds a position of power and prestige, chooses his course of action, possesses a tragic flaw, and gains awareness of circumstances that lead to his fall. Okonkwo’s tragic flaw is his fear of weakness […]
Read more Character Analysis Okonkwo