Things Fall Apart, is one of the most studied novels written by Chinua Achebe, an African writer. Chinua Achebe is generally considered one of the most prominent novelists of the 20th century in the literary circle of Africa. He artistically divided the novel into three parts. The first part is comprised of 14 chapters, while the second and third parts have six chapters respectively. The novel basically, written in the reaction of white writers to reject their imprinted imagination about Africa.
My focus will be the first part as per the assignment criteria. The first part revolves around the themes of vindication of tribal life and the continuous increase of power of Okonkwo. Apart from these main streamlined themes, the novel's first part also deals with the culture, tradition, beliefs, art, and religion with a true depiction of African society in an artistic way.
Let's take a closer look to understand each chapter and its message.
The novel's first
chapter opens with the introduction of Okonkwo, the protagonist and a great man
of the Igbo tribe. Okonkwo, having a hot temper and a strict attitude toward
every unsuccessful person. Achebe describes him in these words; “tall
and huge, and his husky eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look”.
While sleeping even his breath was felt by his family members”.
His father, Unoka, an
inactive person died in shame doing nothing better for his family. An event
also discussed in this chapter that Unoka has to pay debt, and he laughed at the
man and behave rudely according to Igbo culture. Contrary to his father,
Okonkwo was a brave fighter.
From chapters six to
ten, the story revolves around the wrestling matches, the relationship of Ikemefuna
and Nwoye (Goes stronger), the death of Ikemefuna, the sadness of Okonkwo,
Ekwefi's life, and a ceremony.
The wrestling
competitions are amazing and exciting, and people enjoy them. Okafo wins and
gets a lot of support from his fan. The death of Ikemefuna gave a shock Okonkwo, and he did not eat food even for two consecutive days.
His good friend
Obeirika helped him in those days. The ceremony held in Chapter 10 is for the
administration of justice. Public issues were resolved in the ceremony, which
highlighted the legal system of Africa. Egwugwu heard the cases and decided in
the favor of deserved parties. This ceremony showed the hierarchal society of
Africa, where men were dominated. Another significant event, “The Feast of the New Yam,”
by that time had approached. This event is related to thanking Ani, the Earth
Goddess, and a great feast is held in which a large number of relatives and
friends were invited.
The novel moves toward
the relationship between Ezinma and Ekwef. They told stories to each other and
an oracle interpreted their stories and dreams. Oracle and Ekwefi take a long
walk, going all the way around the nine villages, and finally disappear at a
cave and did not return.
Another event that took
place in chapter 12 is a woman's celebration, centering on the bride-to-be and
her mother. There were many people at Obeirika's compound making a feast. The
feast is lively, full of gift-giving, dance, and song. The new in-laws exchange
gifts and praise with Obierika's family, and before living the village, they pay
respects to the house of high-ranking men. Among these men is Okonkwo. He
gives them a gift of two cocks.
The novel enters into
tragedy in chapter 13 when suddenly announces that one of the great and
respected elders, Ezeudu, has died. During the funeral ceremony, another incident
takes place when Okonkwo's gun explodes, and it leads to the death of Ezeudu's
sons. Okonkwo is to be exiled for seven years as punishment, although the act
was accidental. Okonkwo's house set fire and hit with a great loss in terms of
the economy. Okonkwo's family moved to another part, Uchendu's house, his
mother's younger brother, and the oldest living member of their family. He was
a good person, very sympathetic and kind heart. The starting days are very hard
for them to live, while on the other hand, Okonkwo worked hard, but it no longer
gave him any pleasure. Uchendu, at the wedding of Okonkwo's son, gave them the
courage to stand. He added, “A common name given to children is Nneka, "Mother
is Supreme." Although their society is male-dominated, Uchendu told that
when a child is beaten by its father, it returns to its mother for comfort. In
the same way, Okonkwo, exiled by his fatherland, has taken refuge in his
motherland. He cannot allow himself to be bowed down by despair."
