What is the theme in things fall apart?
The Struggle Between Change and Tradition As a story about a culture on the verge of change, Things Fall Apart deals with how the prospect and reality of change affect various characters. The tension about whether change should be privileged over tradition often involves questions of personal status.
What are the major themes in the novel Things Fall Apart?
Themes in Things Fall ApartTheme #1. Colonialism and Its Adverse Impacts. Theme #2. Social Transformation and Tradition. Theme #3. Masculinity. Theme #4. Superiority of English. Theme #5. Social Documentary. Theme #6. Social Disintegration. Theme #7. Ambition and Grandeur. Theme #8. Free Will and Fate.
What is the central theme of Chinua Achebe’s writing?
Writing as an African who had been “Europeanized,” Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart as “an act of atonement with [his] past, the ritual return and homage of a prodigal son.” By his own act, he encourages other Africans, especially ones with Western educations, to realize that they may misperceive their native culture.
How Tradition vs change is a theme in things fall apart?
As the white men enter the clans and impose their world order upon them, Umuofia society spirals apart. Okonkwo and his son Nwoye also symbolize tradition and change, respectively. His adherence to tradition also drives him to kill his own surrogate son, Ikemefuna, driving away Nwoye in the process.
Is Okonkwo a good person?
Okonkwo is a good father in that he is an extremely hard-working man that is able to financially provide for his family. He is a respected member of the community, and he embraces his leadership roles. Okonkwo also recognizes traits in his own father that he doesn’t like, and he works at not emulating those behaviors.
How did Okonkwo kill ikemefuna?
As the boy’s back is turned, one of the men strikes the first blow with his machete. Ikemefuna cries out to Okonkwo, “My father, they have killed me!” and runs toward Okonkwo. Afraid to appear weak, Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna with his machete. When Nwoye learns that Ikemefuna is dead, something changes within him.
Who is nwoye’s mother?
Okonkwo had three wives. His first wife is never named, but simply referred to as ‘first wife’ or ‘Nwoye’s mother’. As is apparent by her names, the first wife was there to bear children for her husband.
What does Ezinma symbolize?
Ezinma is the main bridge that connects the reader to Okonkwos compassion throughout the story and by doing so she becomes a symbol of hope.
Does Ezinma die?
Lesson Summary In Chapter 9 of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo and Ekwefi’s daughter Ezinma falls ill. Ekwefi’s sad history with her past nine children before Ezinma, all of whom died, is recounted.