Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 1, Chapter 5

Professor Kristen Over of Northeastern Illinois University provides an in-depth summary and analysis of Part 1, Chapter 5 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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[thatguy]

ironic that he shoots and misses after being told he has poor aim

[Obviary]

I seriously did not expect this not-as-popular book to have animations by course hero. Tysm :)

[generalnwankwo]

No ma please just an observation here Wife beating is NOT tolerated in Igbo land, in fact it is a sign of weakness not strength, ... But like the author observed Okonkwo ruled His Household with an iron hand and seems to Hate everything his Father Unoka has loved, one is gentleness, what applies to Okonkwo home doesn't apply to Ezeudu home or Obierika home otherwise you will just make the same mistake like the District commissioner.... The Pacification of the Primitive Tribe of the Lower Niger. Thanks Professor OVER for you review of Things fall Apart.

[brentrover]

Testing on chapters 1-5 tomorrow, can’t wait to fail

[kierstentague]

I think it's important to point out that he didn't mean to shoot at his wife. He was just trying to scare her. It's still terrible either way.

[lifeofdesssss]

Who else is here because their English teacher sent them? Just me? ok

[boundoman]

bro took that personally and still got proved wrong

[isaiahholloway]

My dude nearly shot his wife 😳😳😳😳😳 My dude enjoys beating his wife 😬😬😬🤬

[geekprofessor]

Wife beating is not tolerated in my Igbo