Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 1, Chapter 1

Professor Kristen Over of Northeastern Illinois University provides an in-depth summary and analysis of Part 1, Chapter 1 of Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart.


Chinua Achebe's classic postcolonial novel Things Fall Apart details the tragedy of colonialism through the eyes of Okonkwo, a respected member of Igbo society in 1890s Nigeria.

Determined and stoic, he meets the harsh realities of life with equanimity. He survives a hardscrabble upbringing to become the patriarch of a growing family and a prominent figure in his village. However, the arrival of British colonists upsets the delicate balance he has established.

The disruption created by these invaders, who set about converting the Igbo to Christianity, sets Okonkwo on the path to ruin. As he attempts to rebel against the new order established by the British, he loses everything he has worked for.

This parable of colonialist oppression avoids easy conclusions. It instead focuses on the very personal struggle of one man as he attempts to cope with powerful social forces intent on destroying his way of life.

Considered the father of modern African literature, Nigerian-born Chinua Achebe first published Things Fall Apart in 1958. The novel has been translated into more than 50 languages. Nelson Mandela said Achebe “brought Africa to the rest of the world.”

This historical fiction novel contains many powerful themes, such as betrayal, fate vs. free will, and culture and change. Other symbols include fire representing Okonkwo and his blazing anger, which eventually destroys him; yams symbolizing masculinity, wealth, and respect; and locusts symbolizing the arrival of British colonists.


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[aidanstokker]

Anyone watching this the night before their exam?

[annablairebryant]

anyone else too lazy to actually read😏😏

[reannahiatt]

THANK YOU. I have a hard time reading and getting a clear visual. This helps me understand the book way more.

[Khatsui]

Whos here because of their English class?

[cerena]

its hard to differentiate the names sometimes

[mysticaltoons]

You have no idea how much I've benefited from this... Had an exams this morning... Haven't read the book throughout the semester... Came across your videos; played to chapter 25 in the night and guess what the exam was as smooth as the clay soil... Many thanks to you...

[chanakaruwanthilaka]

very useful and clearly presented, , thank you

[mikeprew]

Thanks for the 6 summer reading books, Don Kavanaugh

[ayshaghanawi]

I have a test on the first 3 chapter in 15 minutes!! D, :

[localjess]

My Favourite author of all times - Chinua Achebe

[okonkwoogechukwu]

the fact that the main character is my namesake
🙃

[heterodox]

Interesting story by a skilled orator.

[thighzi]

Anyone else here for their AP English 12 summer reading book before the your junior year even ends- bc your future teacher is the just that lovely-?

No?

Just me?

Ok

[rftghjkyui]

J'ai eu les examens ce matin, vous m'avez sauvé!

[annchido]

Thank you so much for sharing . I found this so clear and precise and this will help me in my literature studies . Love from Zimbabwe .❣

[teacherlynn]

It's kind of sad to see many people saying they relied solely on these videos to pass their test or submit a requirement. It's doing the author a disservice, and it numbs the mind to let others do the thinking for you. It's a supplement, not the main material. :(

[esocurly]

What’s the theme for the first passage I need the answer ASAP😂

[jinxminxks]

I read this book 8n 9th grade and it still follows me

[carolinenolan]

Saint Thomas Aquinas Mrs Bane students?

[lmfgyiy]

In this chapter Okinkwo's father Unoka is acted like woman?