Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Category:	Books
Genre:	Literature & Fiction
Stars: 5

"...what is good in one place is bad in another place."

For quite some time now, no book that passed in my hands has once again defined the reason why I continue to grip for more pages despite my worsening eyesight. Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" reminded me why I kept on purchasing more and more books, not that it's stated literally or imperatively in the novel, but that it gave me certain clarifications on African culture for matters obscured by western influence. 

The very thought of the novel recaptured my interest in learning the cultures of different races and being aware of the fact that the world not only revolves around me but that it's the conglomeration of our different ideals brought about by cultural diversity that makes this world go round.

Written in the third person, omniscient point of view, "Things Fall Apart" is an eye-opener and a genuine reminder that civilization does not only center on the terms decided upon by the western world, but that it is dependent on the context where it is to be used.

Achebe, being one of the foremost African literary pundit, revealed to the world the rich culture the African people have which was once believed to be characterized by savagery and barbarism. They have village leaders, annual festivities, means of living and strong religion, enough to support their claim of being civilized.

Africans, in the novel are very devoted to their religion where their lives richly revolves around. They have so many beliefs including the birth of a twin being a bad omen or rather bad luck to the family causing them to send them away to the evil forest to let the bad spirits devour the newly-borns and the bad luck that comes wit them.

*** SPOILER STARTS HERE ***

The novel is centered in the life of Okonkwo, a man who is famous in the nine villages of Umoufia for at a tender age, he already had defeated the strongest man in them. Okonkwo is known to be fierce not only in battle but also in his family because he adheres to the principle that showing affection is a clear demonstration of weakness.

Okonkwo disliked his father so much because the old man never strove to win some village titles given only to the bravest and most strong-willed man in the clan. His farm never even prospered much unlike his friends'. And so, Okonkwo felt it a need to win the things his father never did mind to grab because he wanted to leave this legacy not only to the village but to his children.

Consequently, Okonkwo, with his four wives, did become one of the most revered member of his clan but his fierceness sometimes causes him troubles that required him to accept predetermined consequences.

The novel is divided into three parts. The first chronicles how Okonkwo became one of the most looked-up to member of the clan, how he killed Ikemefuna, a boy who was brought to the village in exchange of the wrongdoings of another village to avoid war and who have learned to call him father in his three years of stay with Okonkwo, how he almost killed one of his wives just because he has no other outlet of his anger, how he wished Ezinma, his daughter with Ekwefi, was born a boy because she, among any other of his children, understands him without even having a conversation, how they thought Ezinma was an "ogbanje" [a child who was born and died several months or a few years later then returns to do the cycle of being born and dying], and how Okonkwo accidentally killed the child of one of his clansmen, forcing him in exile for seven years.

The second part relates Okonkwo's life in his motherland for seven years as well as how much he thought about so many things he has missed in Umoufia if he had been there, including earning all the village titles which seldom could do. In his exile, he learned much from his uncle's wisdom, most especially why they name their daughters "Nneka" or "Mother is Supreme." This is what Uchendu, his uncle explained: A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland.

The last part storied about Okonkwo's return to Umoufia, about how much has changed since he left including the coming of a new faith brought by evangelists of Great Britain, about how it caused so much pain for him not only due to the fact that his eldest son Nwoye had went with these white men but also due to Umuofia's acceptance and submission to the new faith and government. 

In the end, Okonkwo never fulfilled his wish of earning back the respect of his clansmen including his wish of earning all the titles of the village because things have rapidly changed in his absence. He committed suicide after killing a white man because probably, he thought it best to kill himself than let the white man kill him in front of the public. Besides, he lost all hopes for his village to return to its previous state because things have already fallen apart by then.

*** SPOILER ENDS HERE ***

I must admit that before I read this novel, I have the idea of Africa as a land bereft of civilization before but thanks to Achebe's masterpiece, I was informed that it's the otherwise - that they are truly civilized people, only that they have different beliefs which others might think as barbaric.

The simple words that formed the story and supporting details that continued to plant excitement would bring the reader a clear picture of the plot that could eventually keep you glued to the book for hours and hours until you reach its very end, thus admitting it was a good read after finally releasing it from your tight hold.

Indeed, I must confess, Chinua Achebe has earned my admiration for raising the status of his people from the eyes of the critical public and bravely displaying a talent which other literary pundits from the west could boast no more.. If there are novels which I will never tire to read two or more times in the course of my life, this definitely is one of them...


*** MEMORABLE LINES ***

"Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered."

"A snake was never called by its name at night, because it would hear. It was called a string."

"... a man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness." - Nwakibie

"A proud heart can survive a general failure because such a failure does not prick its pride." - Unoka

"To show affection was a sign of weakness; the only thing worth demonstrating was strength."

"A chick that will grow into a cock can be spotted the very day it hatches. - Obierika

"A child's fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam which its mother puts into its palm." - Okonkwo

"When mother cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth." - Maduka's eldest brother

"A man's life from birth to death was a series of transition rites which brought him nearer and nearer to his ancestors."

"If one finger brought oil it soiled the others."

"A man could not rise beyond the destiny of his chi."

"There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts." - Uchendu

"There is no story that is not true. The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others." - Uchendu

"Never make an early morning appointment with a man who has just married a new wife." - Obeirika

"From the very beginning, religion and education went hand in hand."