I have just finished reading "Things Fall Apart" through recommendation (and force) by my English lecturer and i have to say i did find the piece interesting
The story underlines the life of a noble warrior in Umofia named Okonkwo. Okonkwo was the exact opposite of his father, a poor nobody. he made his way to the top despite started from the bottom, he then defeated the best wrestler of the 9 villages and made himself the best wrestler in the 9 villages.
The story highlights the daily norm of the Ibo people by vividly explaining traditions in the Ibo culture including the week of peace, where no one are allowed to hit another, and the incarnation of elderly spirits through the masked Egwugwu. It is said that the author, Chinua Achebe, highlights the culture of Ibo people to rebutt the opinion that they were uncivilized and primitive that is the common stigma of Europeans towards the Africa, not just the people but the continent as a whole. Cannibalism, are often related with them and by writing this piece Chinua Achebe offers an insight of her own clan, Ibo, which obviously are civilized; they have their own customs, judiciary, social structure, currency, economy.
The climax of the story is when English settlers, bringing Christianity, first set foot on the land. Many conflicts occur between the two factions. The fact that the settlers managed to live at the Evil Forest beyond 4 market weeks made the Ibo people turn head and eventually convert to Christianity and leaving behind Ibo culture. After a series of event, Okonkwo has had enough and gather the people to fight. The commisioner that went there to disperse the crowd were killed by Okonkwo. Few days later when the englishmen, along with soldiers went to Okonkwo's house to arrest him, he is found dead, hanging by the tree.
WHY DID OKONKWO KILL HIMSELF ?
The ending was very different of the warrior Okonkwo we knew and its spark the question of why did he do that ? well most probably he wants to save himself from being under the white people custody,
that he rather be secluded by his village (suicide is prohibited in Ibo culture). or maybe he was trying to avoid a larger calamity as if he were still alive, he would be the one to rally people for war . well all is up to your own interpretation as you read the novel. I highly recommend everyone to read it though, you will understand that they are no different than us.
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