By Chinua Achebe
The novel is a portrayal of the tribal traditions, superstitions and social interactions in a village in Nigeria before the arrival of colonialism and missionaries. The hero, Okonkwo, is a proud farmer who rules his wives and children with an iron fist. Even though he is a courageous, admired leader, Okonkwo biggest fear is to resembling his unsuccessful father. This concern controls him and he is in constant struggle to prove his manhood. The story is about the inner struggles of a man against his society and the threatening changes beyond his control. Okonkwo's tragedy is that he is no match against the increasing power of the incoming Christian church and the white man. Eventually like others who cannot acclimate, he succumbs. Things do Fall Apart for him and others who cannot adapt.
The novel is a portrayal of the tribal traditions, superstitions and social interactions in a village in Nigeria before the arrival of colonialism and missionaries. The hero, Okonkwo, is a proud farmer who rules his wives and children with an iron fist. Even though he is a courageous, admired leader, Okonkwo biggest fear is to resembling his unsuccessful father. This concern controls him and he is in constant struggle to prove his manhood. The story is about the inner struggles of a man against his society and the threatening changes beyond his control. Okonkwo's tragedy is that he is no match against the increasing power of the incoming Christian church and the white man. Eventually like others who cannot acclimate, he succumbs. Things do Fall Apart for him and others who cannot adapt.
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