Ultimate Q&A on Things Fall Apart: Key Insights & Analysis
Table of Contents
Long Answer Type Q&A:
1. Critical Analysis of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.
Introduction:
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is a powerful narrative about the destruction of traditional African societies, particularly the Igbo community, due to the arrival of European colonizers. The novel follows Okonkwo, a respected warrior, whose life is intertwined with his people’s customs and values. The title, inspired by W.B. Yeats’ poem The Second Coming, reflects how the fabric of Igbo society unravels with the coming of Western missionaries and colonialists. Achebe captures the clash of cultures, the consequences of colonialism, and the personal tragedy of Okonkwo, making this a landmark postcolonial text.
Clash of Cultures and Colonialism:
One of the central themes in Things Fall Apart is the clash between traditional Igbo culture and Western values brought by British missionaries and colonialists. Achebe does not portray either culture as entirely good or bad. Instead, he presents a nuanced view of how both systems collide and lead to the downfall of the Igbo way of life. The arrival of the missionaries marks the beginning of the disintegration of Igbo society, a theme echoed in the line from Yeats’ poem, “Things fall apart; the center cannot hold.” Okonkwo, who represents the strength of Igbo traditions, watches helplessly as his culture is eroded, culminating in his tragic end.
The missionaries use persuasive tactics to convert the locals, who begin to question their customs. Okonkwo’s son, Nwoye, is one of the first to embrace the new religion, alienating himself from his father. The novel highlights the complex reactions to colonialism: while some, like Okonkwo, resist the change, others, like Nwoye, find solace in the new faith. Achebe shows how colonialism not only divided communities but also families, as Nwoye’s conversion drives a wedge between him and Okonkwo.
“The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion… Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one.”
The Rise and Fall of Okonkwo:
Okonkwo’s journey is central to the novel, symbolizing both the rise of a strong individual and the fall of an entire culture. Okonkwo is driven by a fear of being perceived as weak, like his father. This fear leads him to take extreme actions, such as killing Ikemefuna, a boy he cared for, to maintain his reputation. His need to embody strength reflects the values of his society, where masculinity and success are tied to physical power and wealth.
However, Okonkwo’s rigid adherence to these values leads to his downfall. When the missionaries arrive, Okonkwo becomes increasingly isolated, unable to adapt to the changing world around him. His refusal to compromise or understand the new order ultimately results in his tragic demise.
“He has put a knife on the things that held us together, and we have fallen apart.”
Disintegration of Igbo Society:
The novel paints a vivid picture of the Igbo community before the arrival of the Europeans, showing a well-organized society with its own justice systems, traditions, and beliefs. However, the introduction of Christianity and Western governance undermines these structures. The Igbo are left divided, as some convert to Christianity, while others, like Okonkwo, cling to the old ways.
Achebe’s portrayal of this cultural disintegration is both subtle and powerful. The once tight-knit society, represented by the unity in festivals, justice through tribal customs, and reverence for the earth goddess, gradually crumbles. As more people join the new faith, traditional values are questioned, and the societal bonds that once held the Igbo together begin to loosen.
“He mourned for the clan, which he saw breaking up and falling apart, and he mourned for the warlike men of Umuofia, who had so unaccountably become soft like women.”
The Role of Women in Igbo Society:
Achebe’s portrayal of women in Things Fall Apart is multifaceted. On the one hand, the Igbo society is patriarchal, with women holding a secondary status. Okonkwo’s wives, for instance, are expected to obey him, and he beats one of them during the sacred Week of Peace, a severe offense. However, women also play crucial roles in maintaining cultural and spiritual life. The earth goddess, Ani, is one of the most revered figures in Igbo religion, and women are vital in nurturing children and preserving family structures.
Okonkwo’s relationship with his daughter Ezinma highlights the complex position of women. Ezinma, whom Okonkwo wishes were born a boy, is one of the few characters who can soften Okonkwo’s otherwise harsh demeanor. This shows that, while women may be marginalized, they are also central to the emotional and cultural fabric of Igbo society.
Tragic End of Okonkwo:
Okonkwo’s suicide at the end of the novel marks the ultimate collapse of both his personal ambitions and the Igbo way of life. His death, considered an abomination by his own people, reflects the depth of his despair. He could not reconcile his desire to fight against the colonizers with the passivity of his people, nor could he accept the changes brought by the missionaries.
In his final moments, Okonkwo takes his life, a symbolic act that underscores the tragic consequences of the cultural collision. The man who once embodied strength and pride could not survive in the new world that had taken root in his homeland.
“Okonkwo’s body is evil, and only strangers may touch it. His own people cannot bury him.”
Conclusion:
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is a profound exploration of the effects of colonialism on traditional societies, as well as the personal tragedy of a man caught between two worlds. Through Okonkwo’s rise and fall, Achebe illustrates how colonialism dismantled the cultural foundations of African communities, leaving them fractured and vulnerable. The novel serves as both a celebration of Igbo culture and a poignant critique of the destructive forces of colonization. Achebe’s narrative remains a powerful commentary on identity, cultural loss, and the human consequences of societal upheaval.
Ultimate Q&A on Things Fall Apart: Key Insights & Analysis helps to learn the novel in better.
Critical analysis of the novel Things Fall Apart.
2. Write down about Chinua Achebe and the Igbo Culture in Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe was born in a town called Ogidi in Nigeria, where he learned all about the way of life of the Igbo people. He was unhappy with how Africa was often shown in books by other writers, who didn’t really understand it. So, Achebe decided to write his own book, Things Fall Apart, to show what life was really like for the Igbo people before the arrival of British colonizers.
Life in the Igbo Village
Achebe’s novel is set in a fictional village called Umuofia, which represents the real-life Igbo village. In Umuofia, life was very different from what it is today. The Igbo people had their own ways of living, including their customs, beliefs, and traditions.
Family Roles and Society
In Igbo society, the men had many important responsibilities. They were the ones who did the hard work, like splitting wood or pounding food. This was seen as very important and manly. Women and children would often pass messages and help with less heavy tasks.
The Igbo people lived in a patriarchal society, meaning that men had the most power and responsibility. For example, Okonkwo, one of the main characters in the novel, had multiple wives, and each had specific roles in the household. The most important crop for the Igbo people was yam, which needed a lot of hard work to grow. Yams were seen as a symbol of manliness and success.
Achebe writes, “Yam stood for manliness, and he who could feed his family on yams from one harvest to another was a very great man indeed” (Achebe 25). This shows how important yams were in their culture.
Beliefs and Traditions
The Igbo people had many gods and goddesses they worshipped. They believed in a supreme god called ‘Chukwu’, who created all the other gods. The earth goddess, ‘Ani’, was very important because she was thought to be the source of all fertility and the judge of right and wrong. Each family also had their own personal god called ‘Chi’.
Achebe describes their beliefs, “Chukwu is their supreme god, who made all minor gods to act as his messengers” (Achebe 14). This shows how their religion was deeply connected with their daily lives.
The Igbo people had many customs and traditions. For instance, they celebrated big events with feasts and festivals. One of these was the Feast of the New Yam, where they cooked lots of food, including yam foo-foo and vegetable soup, and invited many guests.
Customs in Weddings and Ceremonies
In Igbo weddings, there was a ceremony called ‘Uri’. During this event, the groom’s family would bring palm wine and other gifts to the bride’s family. Obierika, another character in the novel, celebrated his daughter’s ‘Uri’. He presented kola nuts to the guests, and his brother broke the first kola nut, saying, “Life to all of us,” to show respect and friendship.
At the end of the ceremony, the bride would leave with the groom’s family and spend time with them. This was done joyfully, with songs and celebrations.
Changes Due to Colonialism
In the early 20th century, British colonizers came to Igbo land. They brought new laws, religions, and ways of life that changed the Igbo people’s traditional ways. The British tried to replace the Igbo culture with their own. This caused a lot of confusion and problems for the people of Umuofia.
Achebe shows how colonialism disrupted the Igbo society. For instance, the traditional way of resolving disputes and making decisions was changed by the British. The Igbo people had a system where the elders would listen to both sides of a problem and make a decision based on their traditions. However, the British introduced their own legal system, which replaced the traditional one.
Problems Within Igbo Society
While Achebe presents Igbo culture in a positive light, he also shows that there were some problems. For example, the Igbo society was very strict, and men who showed weakness or did not follow the rules were looked down upon. Okonkwo, the main character, was very harsh with his children to avoid being seen as weak, like his father Unoka, who was mocked for not being successful.
Achebe’s book shows the strengths and weaknesses of the Igbo culture. He writes about their traditions and customs honestly, without trying to make them seem perfect or ideal.
Conclusion
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart gives a detailed and truthful picture of the Igbo culture and how it was affected by colonialism. Through his novel, Achebe shows both the beauty and the flaws of the Igbo way of life. He helps readers understand the rich history and traditions of the Igbo people while also highlighting the challenges they faced with the arrival of the British. Achebe’s portrayal of Igbo culture helps us appreciate its complexity and significance.
Short Answer Type Q&A:
1. Parts of Chapters 16 and 25 of Things Fall Apart involve Okonkwo, but are told from the perspective of other characters. What is the impact on readers?
In Chapter 16 of Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is hardly mentioned. Even though he is part of the events, the story doesn’t focus on him. It is Okonkwo’s first wife, Nwoye’s mother, who tells Obierika about Nwoye’s interest in the missionaries and how he eventually leaves to join them. Okonkwo is very angry and upset because he feels that Nwoye has betrayed him. He is so mad that he doesn’t even want to talk about his son. The story doesn’t show Okonkwo’s thoughts here, so the readers can learn more about Nwoye without seeing Okonkwo’s anger.
In the last chapter, Chapter 25, Okonkwo has taken his own life. The story is shown from the view of Obierika, Okonkwo’s friend, and the District Commissioner, a European leader. Obierika is very sad and hurt by his friend’s death. He says, “That man was one of the greatest men in Umuofia.” On the other hand, the District Commissioner does not care much. He is cold and does not understand the pain that Okonkwo’s people feel.
This way, the story shows different views, helping the reader see more than just Okonkwo’s side.
2. In Chapter 17 of Things Fall Apart, the clan elders give the missionaries land to build a church. How does this decision further undermine the clan’s unity?
In Things Fall Apart, the elders give the missionaries some land to build their church, but this land is in a place called the Evil Forest. The people believe the forest is full of evil spirits and that anyone who builds there will die. The elders expect the missionaries to get sick or die once they start building.
The missionaries, however, accept the land and begin to build their church. The villagers are surprised because they think no one can survive in the Evil Forest. It feels like a challenge: will the missionaries survive, or will the evil spirits defeat them?
To everyone’s shock, the church is built, and nothing bad happens to the missionaries. None of them die. The elders are confused and don’t know what to say. The people start to wonder if their gods are as powerful as they thought. Since the missionaries survive, some people in the village start to believe in their message. The church gains new followers, or “converts.” One of the first to join is a woman.
The villagers realize that the missionaries are not being harmed by their gods, and slowly, more people begin to listen to them and even join their church.
3. How does Nwoye’s departure in Chapter 17 of Things Fall Apart foreshadow the decline of the clan?
In Things Fall Apart, Nwoye’s decision to join the missionaries shows that the Igbo clan is starting to lose its strength. At first, the only people who joined the missionaries were the efulefu, who were seen as worthless men. They had nothing to lose, so it was easy for them to become converts. Then, the osu, or outcasts, joined the missionaries because the church treated them as equals, something the clan never did.
Nwoye, however, is different. He has a place in the Igbo society, and by joining the missionaries, he risks losing his status in the clan. His choice to leave shows that even important people are starting to break away from the old traditions. As more people like Nwoye join the church, it will encourage even more clan members to follow them.
This creates a kind of chain reaction. Once someone like Nwoye leaves, others start to think about leaving, too. Slowly, the clan’s traditions and beliefs begin to fall apart because more and more people are becoming converts. This change shows that the power and unity of the Igbo clan are weakening, leading to its decline.
4. How does Mr. Kiaga’s stand in Chapter 18 of Things Fall Apart help to further anchor the Christian presence in the village?
In Things Fall Apart, Mr. Kiaga, the leader of the church, says that the osu, or outcasts, are welcome to join the church. This decision is very important because some people in the church do not like the osu and think they should not be allowed to join. These people believe the osu are not worthy and should stay out of the church.
Even though some parishioners are upset, Mr. Kiaga stands firm and tells them that everyone, even the osu, can be part of the church. One person is so unhappy that they leave the church in protest. However, the rest of the people in the church respect Mr. Kiaga’s decision and continue to follow him.
This choice helps make the Christian church stronger in the village. The people in the church now follow Christian values, which say that everyone should be treated equally, no matter their background. By accepting the osu, the Christians show that they are different from the traditional Igbo way of thinking, where outcasts are not treated the same as others. This helps the Christian church grow, and more people start to see it as an important part of the village.
5. Why do the rulers and elders of Mbanta ostracize the missionaries In Chapter 18 of Things Fall Apart?
In Things Fall Apart, in Chapter 18, a Christian convert does something shocking—he kills a royal python. The python is a sacred snake for the Igbo clan, and the people believe it is a symbol of one of their gods. Killing it is seen as a terrible act that no one in the clan could imagine doing.
The elders of Mbanta, the village, are very angry and want to take action. At first, they think about fighting the Christians, but they do not want to go to war with their own people. Instead, they decide to ostracize the Christians, which means they will not talk to them or interact with them anymore.
Later, the man who killed the python suddenly dies. The clan believes that this is a sign that their gods are still strong and can protect themselves. Since their gods have taken care of the problem, the elders decide not to punish the Christians any further. They say, “There is no reason then for molesting the Christians.”
This moment shows that the Igbo people have their own smart ways of dealing with problems. They use their traditional values and beliefs to guide them in making important decisions without always choosing violence.
6. Consider Okonkwo’s plans for returning to Umuofia in light of the events in Chapters 20 and 21 of Things Fall Apart.
In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo has been planning for his return to Umuofia ever since he was forced to leave. He dreams of rebuilding his life and wants to do many things. He wants his sons to be initiated into the clan, he plans to find good husbands for his daughters, and he also wants to marry two more wives and build a bigger house. Okonkwo even hopes to take the highest title in the land, which would make him a very important person.
But when Okonkwo finally returns to Umuofia, things have changed a lot. The village is no longer the same. Many of the important people, even those with titles, have joined the Christian church, and they no longer care about the old traditions.
The changes don’t stop there. The economy and the government are now different too. Farmers who make palm oil sell their products to the white man’s store instead of following their old ways. Disputes that used to be handled by the egwugwu, the village leaders, are now settled in the white man’s court, where Igbo customs and language are not respected.
Okonkwo’s plans fail because his world has changed, and he struggles to accept it.
7. In Chapter 20 of Things Fall Apart the kotma are mentioned. Why are they so hated?
In Things Fall Apart, the kotma are African court messengers who come to Umuofia with the white men from Umuru, a town on the River Niger. The people of Umuofia do not like the kotma because they act proud and bossy. They are seen as foreigners and are disliked for how they treat the villagers. The kotma even take bribes to change the District Commissioner’s decisions in court, which is very unfair.
The kotma also work as prison guards, but instead of being kind, they beat the prisoners and force them to do hard, dirty work for the District Commissioner. They are dishonest too, as they raise the fines set by the District Commissioner to make more money for themselves.
When Okonkwo and other prisoners are captured, the kotma tell the village to pay a fine for their release. If the village doesn’t pay, the kotma threaten to hang the prisoners. This makes the people of Umuofia angry and upset, but they are also scared.
The villagers already find it hard to get used to the white men, and the kotma’s cruel behavior makes things even worse. Their unfair treatment of the people makes the new law and order seem like a joke.
8. In Chapter 20 of Things Fall Apart Obierka talks about the cleverness of the white man. In what ways have they been clever?
In Things Fall Apart, the white man did not force himself on the Igbo people. The missionaries came to the village with their religion quietly and peacefully. They did not threaten the villagers. As Obierika says, the white man “came quietly and peaceably with his religion.”
What really attracted people to the white man was not just his religion, but what he built in Umuofia. The white man opened a trading store, which helped people make money. He also built a school where people could learn, and those who went to the school could get important jobs in the government. This gave them higher status in society.
The white man also built a hospital, which was better at healing people than the village’s medicine men. People began to see the benefits of the hospital, school, and trading store. Slowly, they started to accept the white man and his ways because they saw how these things helped their lives.
This peaceful approach worked better than forcing people to accept the new changes. The people of Umuofia began to accept the missionaries and colonizers, not because they were scared, but because they saw that these new things could improve their lives.
9. In “Things Fall Apart”, how does Mr. Brown’s patience enable him to convert clan members to the Christian faith?
In Things Fall Apart, Mr. Brown is a kind and patient man. He is the leader of the missionaries and is known for being calm and fair. The people of the Igbo clan do not feel scared of him because of his gentle way of talking and behaving. Because of this, the clan respects Mr. Brown and listens to him. He even talks with some of the important men in the village about their religion and Christianity.
One day, in Chapter 21, Mr. Brown has a conversation with one of the great men of the clan. They talk about their different beliefs—how the Igbo people follow their gods and how Christianity works. Mr. Brown listens carefully and is respectful in these talks.
But Mr. Brown has a secret goal. He wants to understand the clan better so that he can slowly convince more people to join Christianity. He knows that converting the clan will take time, but he is willing to wait. By being patient and friendly, Mr. Brown hopes to gain the trust of the people and bring them into his church. His calm approach helps him spread his religion in a peaceful way.
10. In Things Fall Apart, why do the missionaries open a school, and what role does it play for them?
In Things Fall Apart, Mr. Brown builds a school and a hospital in the village of Umuofia. He does this because he knows that directly attacking the clan’s religion would not work. Instead, Mr. Brown tries a different way to win people over. He hopes that by building these useful places, the people will slowly start to trust him and his religion.
The hospital Mr. Brown builds is very helpful. The people of Umuofia notice that the white man’s medicine works well and helps heal them. This makes them more open to the changes the white men are bringing.
Mr. Brown also builds a school and encourages the villagers to send their children there. He explains that learning how to read and write is important for the future. Mr. Brown tells the people that if they don’t get educated, “Strangers would come from other places to rule [Umuofia].” He means that only those who are educated will be able to lead and have power in the future.
By building the school and hospital, Mr. Brown hopes that more people will join the church and accept Christianity. His calm and thoughtful approach helps him gain followers without fighting or forcing them.
Summary of the novel Things Fall Apart
Very Short Answer Type Q&A:
1. What type of tasks did Nwoye like to do for the members of the family?
Nwoye enjoyed doing tough and manly tasks like splitting wood and pounding food. He was happy when his mother or one of his father’s wives asked him to help with these tasks, especially when he got a message through his younger siblings.
2. How did Obierika criticize Okonkwo’s action of his participation in killing Ikemefuna?
Obierika told Okonkwo that Ikemefuna saw him as a father and loved him a lot. He believed Okonkwo should have saved Ikemefuna instead of letting him be killed. Obierika thought Okonkwo’s actions would displease the earth.
3. What important news did Ofoedu bring when Obierika and Okonkwo were holding some discussions at the former’s house?
Ofoedu informed them that Ogbuefi Ezeudu, the oldest man in Ibe, and his wife Ozoemena had died. Okonkwo remembered Ezeudu as a powerful man who once led Umuofia in war.
4. During the course of discussion regarding the settlement of Ibe’s marriage with Akueke, who served wine to the guests and the hosts and how?
Ibo, the suitor, served wine during the marriage settlement. He first filled a horn of wine for his father and then poured it for the others. Okonkwo had his own horn which he gave to Ibe to fill.
5. Describe the settlement of bride-price for the marriage of Ibe with Akueke.
At first, Obierika gave a bundle of fifteen broomsticks instead of thirty as expected. After some discussion, they agreed on a bride-price of 20 bags of cowries.
6. Who told Okonkwo that Ezinma was dying? What did he do when he heard so?
Ekwefi told Okonkwo that Ezinma was dying. Okonkwo went to find leaves and bark from the forest to make medicine. He boiled them and made Ezinma inhale the steam to help her recover.
7. To whom did Okonkwo go after the death of Ekwefi’s second child? What was he advised to do? How was the advice acted upon?
Okonkwo visited a medicine man who advised Ekwefi to stay with her parents during pregnancy. Despite this, her third child died on the eighth day.
8. What did the tortoise advise the birds to do, when they flew to the sky? What was the name which tortoise chose for himself and why?
The tortoise told the birds to take new names for the feast. He chose the name “All of you” because he wanted to be the chief guest and eat first.
9. What were the most delectable dishes served in the feast as referred to in the story of “Tortoise and the Birds” told by Ekwefi?
The feast included hot soup with meat and fish, pounded yam, yam pottage with palm oil and fresh fish, and palm wine.
10. What interrupted Ezinma to continue her story?
Ezinma was interrupted by the loud voice of Chielo, the priestess of Agbala, who was possessed by her god and wanted to take Ezinma with her.
11. Narrate the story which Obierika tells about a man who went to sell a goat and he was cheated.
Obierika told a story about a man who tried to sell a goat but found that a log of wood was tied to the rope instead. This was done by swindlers using trickery.
12. What was Obierika celebrating? What was the custom involved in it as referred to in chapter 13 of the play ‘Things Fall Apart’?
Obierika was celebrating his daughter’s ‘Uri,’ a ceremony where the suitor brings palm wine to his in-laws and all kinsmen. The suitor also gives the bride-price during this event.
13. Who followed the pot bearers in ‘Uri’ ceremony of Obierika’s daughter?
After the pot bearers, the suitor Ibe and the elders from his family followed. They sat in a half-moon shape with their hosts, surrounded by pots of wine.
14. Who presented Kola-nuts to the in-laws? Who broke the first one?
Obierika presented the Kola-nuts to his in-laws. His eldest brother, Machi, broke the first Kola-nut, wishing life and friendship between the families.
15. What edibles were served in the supper arranged on the occasion of the ‘Uri’ of Obierika’s daughter?
The supper included huge bowls of foo-foo, hot soup, and yam pottage. There were also bowls of palm wine for the guests.
16. Describe the manner in which the guests departed with the bride.
The guests left with the bride at night, singing songs. They visited prominent people like Okonkwo and received gifts. They left happily and joyfully.
17. Describe Okonkwo’s departure from Umuofia. What made him quit his native land?
Okonkwo had to leave Umuofia because he accidentally killed Ezeudu’s son during a funeral. This was considered a serious crime, so he fled to Mbanta with his family.
18. What sort of harm did the people do to Okonkwo’s property after he had left the village? Who mourned his calamity?
After Okonkwo left, the people burned his houses, destroyed his barn, and killed his animals. Obierika mourned for Okonkwo, feeling it was unfair for him to suffer for something he didn’t do on purpose.
19. Describe the action of the ancestors who appeared at the funeral of Ezeudu?
At Ezeudu’s funeral, ancestors appeared and spoke in strange voices. Some were violent, and one with a sharp matchet was restrained by two men to prevent harm.
20. How many titles had Ezeudu taken? How many titles were there in the clan?
Ezeudu had taken three titles, which was a rare achievement. There were four titles in the clan, with only one or two men reaching the highest fourth title in each generation.
