Analysis of the plot of “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe

Abstract

This piece of study talks about the famous novel “Things Fall Apart”, by Nigeria's most famous among African writers, Chinua Achebe. The aim of this study is to analyze the plot that has been discussed in the novel and to discuss the view of the author about modernization as a positive or negative process. Most of the times, compelling stories start with a general list of ingredients such as, the initial situation, conflict of the story, complications, climax, and so on. However, talented writers know how to shake the recipe in order to gain more attention of the readers. Same is the case with Chinua Achebe's “Things Fall Apart”. The plot of this novel is based on the main character, Okonkwo, and the major events of his life that reflect the image of an African society. Moreover, the novel reflects the idea of Achebe to promote readiness for modernization as a constructive process, and it is concluded with the suicide of Okonkwo, that he was the one who hurts the most because of this modernization, benefitting the white men.

Introduction

The work of Chinua Achebe, “Things Fall Apart”, is one of the evolving canons in modern African literature. Published in 1958, the novel achieved radical significance throughout the world. There are two main standpoints in which the novel stands alone in comparison with others of its kind. Firstly, the novel best described the historical circumstances, and image of the African society, at the same time, it articulated a new vision of African world. Secondly, Achebe did his best in presenting the story in an extraordinary manner, and in conveying the human experience at its fullest. The story of the novel takes place in late 1880s in Nigerian Village of Umuofia. It was the time before outsiders and missionaries have arrived. The common tribal traditions included worships of gods, communal living, war, sacrifice, and magic. Men's contribution to the good of the tribe and their personal wealth was a deciding force for leadership. The main character of the novel, Okonkwo, serves as a great leader of the Ibo tribe. He has numerous achievements for the betterment of the tribe, and as result, tribesmen respect him a lot. However, climax of the novel arises when traditions of the tribe clashes with the change that comes after colonial rules and Christianity because of European's arrival in the tribe. Here, arises the argument for modernization and development as either a positive or negative process.

Discussion

The Nigerian writer shows us exceptional detail the life of the natives before and after the arrival of white men and resists the temptation to idealize their own culture. Thus, performing this spirited portrait, an aseptic cultural shock is experienced that was unknown until then in Nigeria. Achebe, therefore, not only informs the readers about the outside world on cultural traditions cultural and ancient rites, but its primary goal is to change their minds. He tried to portray modernization as a positive process, and ...