Things Fall Apart

Examine the various social and cultural roles filled by women in the novel ‘Things Fall Apart’.

Discerning the role of women in Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart” requires an attentive and unbiased reading of the novel. At first glance, the women in the novel may seem to be oppressed group with little power, and this characterization is true to some extent. However, this characterization of the women reveals itself to…

Who was Unoka? What was he suffering from and why was he abandoned and left to die in the Evil forest?

Unoka was Okonkwo’s father, who lived a merry life. He loved to drink palm wine and play the flute. He was poor and his wife and children barely had food to eat. He held no titles and he was heavily in debts. His son Okonkwo was ashamed of him. Unoka was an ill-fated man. He…

What is a ‘Bad Chi’? In ‘Things Fall Apart’ who all are the characters who have ‘Bad Chi’?

In “Things Fall Apart” the Umuofian clan believe in a personal god called ‘Chi’. They believe that if a person has a ‘bad Chi’, he experiences misfortune. The opposite doesn’t always hold true, however, for it’s only human nature to claim responsibility for our own personal successes. There are three main characters in ‘Things Fall…

In the first part of the novel ‘Things Fall Apart’, which proverb is said in favour of ‘Chi’ in Okonkwo’s life? Do you think it is appropriate.

Unoka leaves nothing behind for Okonkwo, and though Okonkwo is a self-made man, the clan thinks otherwise. They claim that Okonkwo’s ‘Palm-Kernels had been cracked for him by a benevolent spirit’. When in reality he has labored for his success. At the most one could say that his ‘Chi’ or personal god was good. But…

How can I compose a scene between Okonkwo and his father Unoka discussing the theme of power and masculinity in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe?

As you work on writing this scene, your primary focus should be the contrast in beliefs and actions of the two men and the way Okonkwo resents his father. You might want to frame the scene as a dream vision in which Okonkwo, shortly after his father’s death, converses with Unoka’s spirit in a dream….

Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand, what was his real fear? Explain.

Okonkwo is a self-made, well-respected member of the Umuofia clan. Though outwardly stern and powerful, much of his life is dictated by internal fear. His greatest, overwhelming worry is that he will become like his father – lazy, unable to support his family, and cowardly. Okonkwo considers many of his father’s characteristics to be feminine….

Okonkwo is depicted as a prosperous and warlike man in Umuofian society. Give examples to prove.

After defeating the unbeatable wrestler Amalinze the cat, his fame spreaded in Umuofia. Oknokwo becomes very prosperous and warlike man. Okonkwos’ homestead, or compound, illustrates his prosperity. His own living area is called on Obi. He is a wealthy farmer with three wives and many children. His three wives have separate houses behind the Obi….