Things Fall Apart

Individuals, Corporations, Countries, Ideologies, Civilizations – Who can resist the mighty winds of change? The British Empire which ruled the world for centuries is now long forgotten. Russia, the intimidating edifice of communism is today in shambles. Indeed, things do fall apart. Here is an effort to present one of the greatest African novels – Things Fall Apart (TFA) by Chinua Achebe.

Background:
First published in 1958, TFA is one of the first English novels to be written by an African author. It is also the first novel which tells the story of Africa from the perspective of an African tribesman. Earlier works by European authors like Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad are considered to be superficial lacking a true understanding of this great land.

The title is taken from W. B. Yeats’ poem, “The Second Coming”. An excerpt is presented below:

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

Chinua Achebe was born into a Christian family of Igbo heritage. His father had converted to Christianity while some other relatives were still Igbo. In this way he got an opportunity to closely observe two cultures – at home he grew up reading the bible and singing hymns while at his uncle’s place he celebrated “pagan” festivals.

Introduction:
The story tracks the entire life of Okonkwo, a powerful and strong man who belongs to the Igbo tribe. He is a living legend in the nine villages of Umuofia known throughout for his strength and success. The book covers his rise to fame and his ultimate down fall.

An unparalleled characteristic of the book is the insights it provides into African culture and tradition. It has detailed and charming descriptions of Igbo life, their family structure, rituals, beliefs, their oracles and medicine men. It is an exotic journey into the heart of African civilization.

The Beginning:
Okonkwo is born to Unoka, a lazy coward man without any titles. He looks down upon his father and is determined to write a different story for his own life. He is ambitious and with great hardships realizes his dream to be become a prominent member of his tribe.

Okonkwo – The man
As a result of an internal feud with another village, Okonkwo’s village is paid with the tribute of a young boy. Okonkwo is asked to take care of this boy until a further decision is taken. He raises the kid, who used to call him father, as his own son. After a few years the village oracle decides that the boy should be killed. The men of the village gather to lead the boy, who is unaware of his ill fate, towards the forest where he is to be eventually executed. As the executioners approach the boy, he senses that something is wrong and runs towards Okonkwo for safety crying out “Father”. At that instant, with one powerful blow his own “father” puts him to death. This is Okonkwo for you. His father because he held no titles was called agbala, which is the Igbo word for a woman. Okonkwo is desperate to prove he is a man.

The Nemesis
As time passes Okonkwo faces several hardships and is even banished from his village for many years. Slowly, the world around him starts changing. The Christian missionaries are coming. They have a mission – The salvation of the savages of the dark-continent. Okonkwo is proud of his Igbo traditions, culture and society. He is a mute spectator to the subjugation and humiliation of his people and their beliefs. How does the mighty Okonkwo face this nemesis? I guess, those who haven’t already read the book will have to read it.