Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart is about rise and fall of a highly influential and powerful man, Okonkwo. Physically he may appear fearless but he has his own fears and insecurities which lead him to act like he has no emotions. He does not want to become like his father who was known to be a coward and died a shameful death. To make his people forget about the reputation his father had made, he brings honor to his village by becoming wrestling champion.
Okonkwo’s hard work pays off and he seems to prosper in almost every aspect of life. He wants his son, Nwoye, to be like him but his son seems to be sensitive and often questions rules followed villagers. As time passes, Okonkwo chooses violence to hide behind the shame he feels because of his past. He dominates his family in a hearless way.
One day, his neighbor clan offers a boy, named Ikemefuna to avoid war. Okonkwo adopts and treats him as his own child. Ikemefuna becomes a close friend of Nwoye. Eventually, the Oracle calls for the boy’s sacrifice. Fearful to be called a coward like his father, Okonkwo participates in the boy’s sacrifice which also breaks Nwoye’s heart.
Okonkwo moves to his mother’s native village after he is exiled for an accidental murder. During this period, he learns about the attack of the white missionaries and conversion of some of his people to Christianity. His son also converts and as a result, Okonkwo disowns him. After seven years, he returns to Umuofia only to find out that his men have renounced their titles, converted, and even like the changes brought by the white men.
Okonkwo calls a meeting to discuss war against the white men. A man who sacrificed his own family for dignity would never bow before the enemy. During the meeting, court messengers approach to disperse the crowd. In reaction, Okonkwo kills one of them. The most unexpected thing happens at this time when his fellow men do nothing and let the other messengers run away. Now he realizes that his people are never going for a war. Sacrifice of his relationships for this person seems like a poor decision now but keeping up his traditions, he refuses to change for the Christians. He returns home and commits suicide.
