Explain the significance of the title things fall apart. (PDF) Title of the Book: Things Fall Apart 2022-11-16

Explain the significance of the title things fall apart Rating: 9,8/10 1244 reviews

The title "Things Fall Apart" is significant for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, it reflects the central theme of the novel, which is the collapse of traditional Igbo society in Nigeria. The novel follows the life of Okonkwo, a respected member of the Igbo community, as he witnesses the rapid changes and disruptions brought about by the arrival of European colonizers. Okonkwo's world is turned upside down as he struggles to come to terms with the loss of his cultural identity and way of life. The title "Things Fall Apart" captures the sense of upheaval and chaos that Okonkwo and his community experience as they are forced to adapt to a new and foreign way of life.

Secondly, the title is a reference to a line in the poem "The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats, which reads: "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold." This line speaks to the idea that when societal norms and values are challenged or destabilized, it can lead to a breakdown of order and a loss of coherence. This is certainly the case in "Things Fall Apart," as the Igbo people's way of life is dismantled and replaced by the values and beliefs of the European colonizers.

Lastly, the title "Things Fall Apart" serves as a metaphor for the experience of many colonized peoples around the world. The novel is set in the late 1800s, a time when European powers were expanding their empires and exerting their control over other countries and cultures. "Things Fall Apart" serves as a commentary on the destructive and disruptive nature of colonialism, and the ways in which it can shatter the foundations of traditional societies.

Overall, the title "Things Fall Apart" is significant because it reflects the central theme of the novel, captures the sense of upheaval and chaos experienced by the Igbo people, and serves as a metaphor for the experience of colonized peoples around the world.

Things Fall Apart

explain the significance of the title things fall apart

In the face of the chaos caused by the incursion of Christianity, Okonkwo becomes a murderer and then hangs himself. So the title references the disintegration, or at least the rapid transformation, of Ibo society, especially the primacy of kinship and clan, under the weight of European Christian influences. Brown is able to use this information in his attempts to convert the Umuofia people to Christianity. They were locusts, it said, and that first man was their harbinger sent to explore the terrain. From this event, one can see that Okonkwo's hopes dreams have begun to fall apart. This is important in the context of the story because although Okonkwo was growing up in Umuofia, he is later sent to another village, Mbanta, for seven years after he is exiled.

Next

Things Fall Apart: Full Book Analysis

explain the significance of the title things fall apart

Achebe also kept in mind his own Nigerian people as an audience. However, this approach can lead to disastrous effects such as the marginalization of people. Hubris is excessive pride or self-confidence, and is shown to the reader quickly early-on in the book. It has been decided from the oracle that Ikemefuna will be killed. This visit is motivated by the fact the Mr.

Next

Things Fall Apart: Foreshadowing

explain the significance of the title things fall apart

The British destroyed the powerful Awka Oracle and killed all opposing Igbo groups. How is conquest redeemed in the heart of Darkness? Another significant incidence where Okonkwo's life falls apart was when he was thrown out of the clan for seven years. He had accomplished his goal to become rich and famous, an advantage that was unseen before in his family. Okonkwo is associated with burning, fire, and flame throughout the novel, alluding to his intense and dangerous anger—the only emotion that he allows himself to display. She is very similar to her father, and this is made apparent when she matures into a beautiful young woman who refuses to marry during her family's exile, instead choosing to help her father regain his place of respect within society.

Next

Things Fall Apart Igbo Wedding Ceremony

explain the significance of the title things fall apart

At the beginning of the book we see that the Igbo people have a strong faith in their traditional religion. Okonkwo's sense of identity was disrupted when he was challenged with the introduction of Western ideas. At the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 — a meeting arranged to settle rivalries among European powers — the British proclaimed Nigeria to be their territory. For example, a real-life tragedy at the community of Ahiara serves as the historical model for the massacre of the village of Abame in Chapter 15 of Things Fall Apart. Things Fall Apart fits the definition of tragedy because it documents both the personal downfall of Okonkwo and the broader erosion of the Igbo cultural world that Okonkwo wishes to defend. . It is felt that the repression of the Igbo language at the end of the novel contributes greatly to the destruction of the culture.

Next

(DOC) Things Fall Apart Title

explain the significance of the title things fall apart

After the entrance of colonial masters, the colonial religion, mostly replaces the traditional religion. This leads to an anarchic clash among the villagers and Okonkwo's suicide. Pollution impacts on the consciousness of the individuals, echoing the existential. He is a well-known person throughout the nine villages and beyond. I also do not exactly understand the idea of this. She receives severe beatings from Okonkwo just like his other wives; but unlike them, she is known to talk back to Okonkwo.


Next

Significance of Setting in “Things Fall Apart” (Week 6)

explain the significance of the title things fall apart

Okonkwo grows up very concerned about being a man, probably because his father was such a loser. Achebe made numerous references to missionaries and their activities in his country directly or indirectly. Shortly after Ikemefuna's death, things begin to go wrong for Okonkwo. People made sacrifices to the smaller gods, but when the failed, the people turned to Chukwu. He was so distracted by trying to be anyone other than his father that he lost himself along the way. Indeed, Achebe would contest such a romantic portrayal of his native people.

Next

What is the the meaning of the title of Achebe's Things Fall Apart? What examples might support this answer?

explain the significance of the title things fall apart

Okonkwo continued to fight the inevitable. Both men would express surprise if anyone suggested to them that their European values may not be entirely appropriate for these societies. Throughout the CliffsNotes, as well as on the map, the contemporary spelling Igbo is used. On page 3 it is stated, ‘In his day he was lazy and improvident and was quite incapable of think about tomorrow. How does this relate to the title of the book, Things Fall Apart. Again, great job on your informative post. The other gods were made by Chukwu to act his messengers so that people could approach him through them.

Next

(DOC) Things Fall Apart

explain the significance of the title things fall apart

The boy looks up to Okonkwo and considers him a second father. He was truly saddened when he was killed. In the first part of the book we see a socially, politically and religiously organic Igbo society. A month later, an expedition of British forces searched the villages in the area and killed many natives in reprisal. The beginning four lines of the poem are referred as a preface of the novel. In a morbid, joking exchange, Okonkwo expresses that he does not know how to thank Obierika.

Next