Summary Chinua Achebe, Things fall apart

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a powerful novel that tells the story of
Okonkwo, a respected leader and warrior in the Igbo village of Umuofia in
Nigeria. Set in the late 19th century, the novel explores traditional Igbo
society and the disruptive impact of British colonialism and Christian
missionaries.



Summary:



Okonkwo is determined to avoid the failures of his father, Unoka, who was
poor and seen as weak. Through hard work and aggression, Okonkwo
becomes wealthy and gains status. However, his rigid masculinity and fear of
being seen as weak lead to personal and family conflicts.



After accidentally killing a clansman, Okonkwo is exiled for seven years.
During his exile, European missionaries arrive in Umuofia, bringing
Christianity and Western institutions. This begins to undermine the tribe’s
customs and beliefs.



When Okonkwo returns, he finds his society deeply changed. Unable to stop
the erosion of traditional values and frustrated by the passivity of his people,
Okonkwo takes drastic action. The novel ends with Okonkwo’s tragic
downfall, symbolizing the collapse of traditional Igbo society under colonial
rule.