Things Fall Apart

Novel | Chinua Achebe
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How does the Igbo society fall apart in Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart?

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How does the Igbo society fall apart? [2019, 2017] ✪✪✪ 

Chinua Achebe’s (1930-2013) “Things Fall Apart” (1958) illustrates the collapse of a great culture. The Igbo society of Umuofia was once strong, united, and deeply rooted in faith. But the arrival of the white men changed everything. 

Arrival of the Missionaries: The first reason for the fall of the Igbo society is the arrival of Christian missionaries. They bring a new religion that challenges the Igbo gods. Many people, including Nwoye, are drawn to it. The narrator says, 

“He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.” 

This means that foreign beliefs cut through the unity of the clan. 

Division among the People: The second cause is the loss of unity within the clan. Some members accept the new faith, while others reject it. The young and weak join the missionaries, but the strong like Okonk

wo resist. The narrator says, 

“Okonkwo was deeply grieved. ... He mourned for the clan ... for the warlike men.” 

This shows his sadness at their lost courage. 

British Rule and Injustice: The third reason is the new government brought by the white men. The District Commissioner and his men make new laws that the Igbo do not understand. Their own justice system loses value. They destroy the pride of the community through power and humiliation.

Fall of Okonkwo: Okonkwo’s death marks the final fall of Igbo society. He stands for the old values of bravery and honor. But when no one supports his call to fight, he loses hope. His suicide becomes a symbol of a dying culture. 

In short, the Igbo society falls apart because of foreign influence and inner weakness. Achebe demonstrates that when people lose faith in their culture, their world begins to collapse. 

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Chinua Achebe
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from Things Fall Apart