Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart is a seminal novel written in 1958 by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. It explores the forces that drive the rise and fall of Okonkwo, a leader in the village of Umuofia, and the influences of British colonialism and Christian missionaries on his traditional Ibo (also spelled Igbo) community.

Related Topics:
1958 - Nigerian - Chinua Achebe - British - Missionaries - Ibo (also spelled Igbo)

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Things Fall Apart is considered one of the major works in African postcolonial literature

Related Topics:
African - Postcolonial literature

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because it presents the life, culture, and complexities of a traditional African people with breathtaking honesty, dignity and humanity. The story of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart has been compared in western countries to Greek tragedy, as the very characteristics that make Okonkwo a great leader in his clan (strength, inflexibility) lead ultimately to his death.

Related Topics:
African - Tragedy

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The title of the book comes from a poem, "The Second Coming," by William Butler Yeats, and is quoted in the frontpiece of the book:

Related Topics:
The Second Coming - William Butler Yeats

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: Turning and turning in the widening gyreThe falcon cannot hear the falconerThings fall apart, the centre cannot holdMere anarchy is loosed upon the world.

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Things Fall Apart is considered by many to have been a milestone in African literature. It was followed by two sequels, No Longer at Ease (1960, originally written as the second part of a larger work together with Things Fall Apart) and The Arrow of God (1964), featuring the descendants of Okonkwo and the problems they face under colonialism.

Related Topics:
African literature - No Longer at Ease - 1960 - The Arrow of God - 1964

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As in his other works, Achebe attempts to counter the common Western belief and view of the traditional African society (that of disorganized, barbaric tribes). Things Fall Apart, which has sold millions of copies, is by far his most famous and award-winning work.

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