Things Fall Apart

Synopsis

A Nigerian village at the cusp of colonial influence, late 19th century. The clash of tradition and change echoes through the savannah.

Okonkwo, a proud and ambitious Igbo warrior, strives to maintain his standing in a society where status is earned through strength and success. As he battles his own fears of weakness, embodied by memories of his lackadaisical father, Okonkwo’s rigid adherence to tradition sets him on a collision course with the encroaching forces of British colonialism and Christian missionaries.

Achebe’s seminal novel explores the disintegration of traditional Igbo society in the face of European imperialism. Through Okonkwo’s tragic arc, the author examines themes of masculinity, cultural identity, and the complex legacy of colonialism. The richly-drawn supporting characters – from Okonkwo’s sensitive son Nwoye to the conflicted convert Obierika – offer nuanced perspectives on the cultural upheaval. Achebe’s prose seamlessly weaves Igbo proverbs and customs into the narrative, creating a vivid portrayal of a society on the brink of irrevocable change. As personal and communal tragedies unfold, the novel offers a profound meditation on the nature of progress and the price of resistance in a rapidly changing world.