Analysis of the Novel Things Fall Apart - Essay Example

Things Fall Apart The novel “Things fall apart” narrates two interlacing stories that centre on Okonkwo, who is the main protagonist. The first one is on a strong tale of the ancient conflict amid Okonkwo and the entire society. It traces his plunge from elegance with the ethnic world. The second tale revolves around the conflict of cultures and the annihilation of Okonkwo’s realm after the arrival of the hostile European missionaries. The perfectly executed occurrences revolve around a form of awareness able to encompass human history and soul compulsions. Relevance of the Novel Things Fall Apart The greatest quality that is evident from this novel is the dynamism of its insurgency against the daily consolidations and disdain that view Africa as an amorphous region. Apparently, Achebe clearly maintains this quiet revolt on almost every page and one way he achieves this is by an accrual of subjective detail. However, after every passage, he points out delicate customs and rules of distinct clans among the Igbo community, and hardly with mentions the outside world. Therefore, Achebe’s insolence of the western culture is connected to a restrained but inimitable appeal to Africans to avoid submission to inferiority feelings. This accomplishment remains the most remarkable spectacle in the entire book. It is worth denoting that this novel proves to be very pertinent to the world we live in presently. According to Achebe (56) the conflicts that arise because of culture differences and imposition of authority by an external force is a clear illustration of similar occurrences that occur around the globe. One major lesson that one can derive from this novel is the notion that nearly all occurrences are opinion oriented, and what we learn from our educational institutions as the truth might not have happened exactly. The missionaries came to Africa with one prime goal of converting a large number of Africans into Christianity. Bloom (48) affirms that instead of incorporating peaceful dialogue with the Africans, the missionaries decided to use force and despising them. Furthermore, these missionaries established some authority systems to govern the Africans but when they resisted and demolished a church, they faced severe punishments and at times had to pay hefty fines. There was no instance of negotiation amid both cultures but only commands from the western missionaries. However, it is imperative for one to understand that not every occurrence and situation bears a two-way facet. For example, both Africans and missionaries had their own perceptions and goals, but eventually these missionaries imposed their own authority on the Africans through forceful means. This implies that we should use this occurrence as an example and choose to listen to one another, appreciate each other’s differences and similarities. Lessons Learned from Things Fall Apart A major lesson that one learns is to avoid living in accordance to idealistic standards (Bloom 52). It is evident from the novel that Okonkwo who is the main protagonist spent his entire life focusing on his image and what individuals around him thought of his life and actions. Furthermore, his acquaintance to the society’s stand of what was ideal forced him to dislike his father. According to Okonkwo, his father was neither strong nor rich. He desired to be a hero within the society. Furthermore, when Okonkwo learns that he has to kill Ikemefuna, he readily agrees. As one reads the novel, it is apparent that Okonkwo had great affection for Ikemefuna. Eventually, Okonkwo takes his machete and kills Ikemefuna because he did not want the people that had accompanied him to consider him weak. However, it is clear from the novel that Okonkwo feels guilty of his actions because he does not eat for two days. Since Okonkwo desired to fit perfectly into the society and maintain traditions, he was keen to murder his son. Okonkwo spent his entire life being worried of how individuals thought of him. Apparently, things fell apart for him since he failed to balance priorities in life. One should learn to live without worrying about other people because such a perception may deter one from seizing great opportunities. Although one side of Okonkwo is undoubtedly good, when you view him from another perspective, it is apparent that he is responsible for destroying his society. According to Chua& Suzanne (86), the same fortitude that propels him to achieve success is also responsible for his failure. He seems insensitive to his subordinates because he talks harshly when conversing with less successful individual. It is evident that he cares more of his reputation than the feelings of his son. Chua& Suzanne (86) argues that his continued persistence inhibits him from mentally adapting to emerging circumstances that he has no control over. Apparently, instead of peacefully dealing with the responsibility of residing with the missionaries within the clan, he chooses to lament the lost inhumanity of his peers and kills himself as opposed to adapting to the altering customs of the clan. One can comfortably affirm that Okonkwo had an inner conflict among his personal success, his own tribe, and the fresh burdens of transformation essential to meet this form of success. Even today, we still strive to balance technological consciences with the motive to improve or make life worthwhile. Apparently, Okonkwo did not have the ability to tolerate the struggles. Inner conflict had affected his life so much that he was not in a position to tolerate life struggles. Shea (60) substantiates that when people meet comparable encounters, the society needs to work closely to deliberate and endure the encumbrance of the transformations people encounter. The strongest individuals cannot manage alone. Moreover, this novel illustrates numerous insights and notions regarding Africa colonization and in the process reveals numerous lessons to the readers. Personally, the best lesson that individuals can learn is that one should never force their philosophies or inclinations on anyone. Instances of conflicts fuelled by cultural disparities on a global and individual scale are increasing (Shea, 65). In this novel, it is clear that the African society is under the domination of ancestral tradition. People were living comfortably and peacefully before the missionaries invaded the region and started imposing their beliefs on the Africans. Okonkwo who is the main protagonist is the first person to oppose the oppressive acts of the missionaries on the society, but his people dismiss his actions telling him that the missionaries have no intention of harming. After sometime, these missionaries start eroding the African culture, forcing Okonkwo to commit suicide because of distress. In the event that the Europeans had gone to Africa with an intention of learning and teaching them, there would be no instance of African oppression. Furthermore, if only individuals in the present society would learn from the mistakes done by ancestors, they can realise that it is not possible to impose one’s beliefs on other individuals. A clear example to illustrate this ideology is when Hitler strived to enforce his philosophies on the Germans but consequently contributed to death of many individuals. According to Shea (72), the communists also strived to enforce their philosophies on other individuals and the ultimate result was the emergence of wars in Korea and Vietnam. Some nations and individuals travel to other territories with an aim of enlightening the less developed regions. However, they are responsible for bringing conflicts. Essentially, it is imperative for these nations to avoid causing turmoil and choose to stick with the idea of bringing necessary and needed change in the foreign nations. Conclusion It is evident from the novel that there is a persistent tussle amid fate and free resolve. Throughout the entire book, Okonkwo ascends from low levels to greater heights, but suffers numerous setbacks. One learns that he or she cannot control everything desired in life. Although Okonkwo succumbs to fate, readers learn that despite numerous retrogressive forces, one can still succeed. Works Cited Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New Delhi Allied Publishers, 2008. Print. Bloom, Harold. Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart. New York, NY: Blooms Literary Criticism, 2010. Print. Chua, John. & Suzanne, Pavlos. Cliffsnotes Things Fall Apart. New York: Wiley Pub, 2011. Print. Shea, George. A Readers Guide to Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2007. Print. Read More