“Things Fall Apart” is a novel that was written by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian author and poet. The novel was first published in 1958 and is considered a seminal work in African literature. It is set in pre-colonial Nigeria and follows the life of Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior, as he navigates the shifting dynamics of his community.
One of the most interesting aspects of “Things Fall Apart” is its use of allegory. The novel is rich with symbolism and metaphors that help to paint a picture of the complex relationships between the characters and their environment. For example, the title of the novel itself is an allegory for the breakdown of traditional African society under the influence of European colonialism.
Throughout the novel, Achebe weaves together a tapestry of allegorical threads that help to explain the deeper meaning of the story. From the character names to the descriptions of the landscape, every aspect of the novel is carefully crafted to convey a deeper message about the struggle for identity and cultural preservation in the face of external pressures.
Context of ‘Things Fall Apart’
“Things Fall Apart” is a novel written by Chinua Achebe, published in 1958. The story is set in pre-colonial Nigeria, during the late 19th century. At that time, Nigeria was under British colonial rule, and the novel portrays the clash between the traditional Igbo culture and the white colonial government.
The novel is a response to the skewed portrayals of Africa by European writers. Achebe grew up in Nigeria during the British colonial process, and he was exposed to literature by Europeans that attempted to describe Africa as a primitive and savage place. Achebe wrote “Things Fall Apart” to counter these portrayals and to show the complex, advanced social institutions and artistic traditions of African cultures.
“Things Fall Apart” is an allegory that explores themes of tradition, change, and the impact of colonialism on African societies. The novel follows the life of Okonkwo, a respected leader in an Igbo community, and his struggle to maintain the traditions of his culture in the face of colonialism.
Through the character of Okonkwo, Achebe shows how the arrival of Europeans disrupted the social and cultural fabric of African societies. The novel also highlights the importance of language and storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and identity.
Allegorical Significance in the Novel
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is a novel that is rich in allegorical significance. The novel uses allegory to explore the themes of colonialism, traditional Igbo society and customs, and the clash between Christianity and indigenous beliefs.
Colonialism and Cultural Clash
The novel depicts the impact of colonialism on traditional Igbo society. The arrival of the white man brings about a cultural clash between the Igbo people and the Europeans. The novel shows how the Europeans try to impose their culture and beliefs on the Igbo people, leading to the breakdown of the Igbo society.
Traditional Igbo Society and Customs
The novel is set in pre-colonial Nigeria and provides a detailed description of the traditional Igbo society and customs. The novel explores the complex social and cultural structures of the Igbo people, including their religion, social organization, and economic system. The novel also provides insights into the daily lives of the Igbo people, including their customs and traditions.
Christianity and Indigenous Beliefs
The novel explores the clash between Christianity and indigenous beliefs. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the Igbo society leads to a conflict between the traditional beliefs of the Igbo people and the new religion. The novel shows how the introduction of Christianity leads to a breakdown of the traditional Igbo society and customs.
Main Characters as Allegorical Figures
Okonkwo’s Tragic Heroism
Okonkwo, the protagonist of Things Fall Apart, represents the tragic heroism of the Igbo people. He embodies the traditional values of his society, such as strength, courage, and hard work. However, his stubbornness and fear of weakness ultimately lead to his downfall. Okonkwo’s story can be seen as an allegory for the struggle of the Igbo people against the encroachment of colonialism. Like Okonkwo, the Igbo people were proud of their culture and traditions, but their resistance ultimately proved futile.
Nwoye’s Transformation
Nwoye, Okonkwo’s son, represents the younger generation of the Igbo people who are caught between their traditional culture and the new ways brought by the colonialists. At the beginning of the novel, Nwoye is a sensitive and curious boy who is fascinated by the stories told by his mother. However, as he grows older, he becomes disillusioned with his father’s violent and oppressive ways. Nwoye’s transformation can be seen as an allegory for the changing attitudes of the younger generation towards their traditional culture.
Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith’s Contrasting Roles
Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith, the two Christian missionaries in the novel, represent the contrasting roles of the colonialists in Africa. Mr. Brown is a compassionate and understanding man who tries to adapt to the Igbo culture and win their trust. On the other hand, Mr. Smith is a fanatical and intolerant man who seeks to impose his own beliefs on the Igbo people by force. The allegory of Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith can be seen as a commentary on the different approaches taken by the colonial powers in Africa. While some sought to work with the local cultures, others sought to impose their own values and beliefs.
Symbols and Metaphors in “Things Fall Apart”
The Locusts’ Invasion
In “Things Fall Apart,” locusts are used as a metaphor for the arrival of the white colonizers who bring destruction to the Igbo culture. The locusts are described as a “great cloud” that “hung like a shroud over the distant parts of the forest” (Chapter 2). This image of the locusts foreshadows the arrival of the colonizers, who will bring destruction to the Igbo way of life. The locusts’ invasion is also significant because it disrupts the planting season and causes a famine, which leads to social unrest and conflict within the community.
Fire and Yam Symbols
Yams are a significant symbol in “Things Fall Apart.” They represent masculinity, wealth, and respect. Growing yams is considered a man’s job because it is challenging, and it requires hard work and constant attention. In Chapter 4, the narrator compares yams to a very demanding king who requires farmers to serve his needs constantly during the growing season. Fire is also an essential symbol in the novel. Okonkwo and his fellow clansmen liken him to a “Roaring Flame” – aggressive, powerful, and strong-willed. For Okonkwo, these are all positive, masculine traits.
The Mother of the Spirits
The Mother of the Spirits is a significant symbol in “Things Fall Apart.” She is the goddess of the earth and the spiritual mother of the Igbo people. She represents the fertility of the land and the power of the ancestors. The Mother of the Spirits is also associated with the concept of rebirth and renewal. In Chapter 9, Okonkwo is banished from his village and must leave his family and his land behind. He seeks refuge in his mother’s homeland, where he hopes to find a new beginning. The Mother of the Spirits represents the hope of a new life and the possibility of redemption.
Interpretations of Allegory in the Novel
Postcolonial Reading
One of the most prominent interpretations of Things Fall Apart is a postcolonial reading. This perspective emphasizes the impact of colonialism on African societies and the resulting cultural clash between the colonizers and the colonized. The novel can be seen as an allegory for the larger process of colonization and its consequences. Achebe’s use of language and storytelling techniques can be seen as a way of reclaiming African culture and history, which had been distorted and suppressed by colonialism.
Feminist Perspective
Another interpretation of Things Fall Apart is from a feminist perspective. The novel portrays the patriarchal society of the Igbo people, in which women are relegated to subservient roles and are denied education and other opportunities. However, the novel also highlights the strength and resilience of Igbo women, who are able to maintain their dignity and agency even in the face of oppression. Achebe’s portrayal of women in the novel can be seen as an allegory for the broader struggle for women’s rights and empowerment.
Religious Interpretation
A third interpretation of Things Fall Apart is from a religious perspective. The novel portrays the traditional religious beliefs and practices of the Igbo people, which are threatened by the arrival of Christian missionaries. The conflict between the two religions can be seen as an allegory for the broader tension between traditional African culture and the forces of modernization and globalization. Achebe’s use of symbolism and metaphor can be seen as a way of exploring the deeper spiritual and existential questions raised by this conflict.
Allegory’s Role in Understanding the Novel
One of the most important aspects of Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, is its use of allegory. Allegory is a literary device that involves using characters, events, and objects to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In Things Fall Apart, Achebe uses allegory to explore a range of themes, including the clash between traditional and modern cultures, the impact of colonialism on African societies, and the struggle for power and control.
Through the use of allegory, Achebe is able to convey complex ideas and themes in a way that is accessible and engaging for readers. For example, the character of Okonkwo can be seen as an allegory for the traditional African way of life, which is threatened by the arrival of European colonizers. Similarly, the character of Mr. Brown can be seen as an allegory for the European colonizers themselves, who bring with them a new set of values and beliefs that clash with those of the traditional African society.
Another example of allegory in the novel is the use of yams as a symbol for masculinity, success, and status in Igbo culture. This symbol is used throughout the novel to highlight the importance of traditional values and beliefs in Igbo society, and the impact that colonialism has on these values.
Teaching ‘Things Fall Apart’ Through Allegory
One of the most effective ways to teach Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” is through the use of allegory. An allegory is a story that has both a literal and symbolic meaning. In “Things Fall Apart,” the story of Okonkwo and his village serves as a powerful allegory for the clash between traditional African culture and the encroachment of European colonialism.
When teaching “Things Fall Apart” through allegory, it’s important to help students identify the symbolic elements of the story. For example, the character of Okonkwo represents the traditional African culture, while the European colonizers represent the encroaching forces of colonialism. The village itself represents the African community, while the arrival of the colonizers represents the disruption of that community.
To help students understand the allegorical elements of “Things Fall Apart,” teachers can use a variety of techniques. For example, teachers can create a chart that lists the literal elements of the story on one side and the symbolic elements on the other. Teachers can also use visual aids such as pictures or diagrams to help students visualize the allegory.
Another effective technique is to have students write their own allegories based on “Things Fall Apart.” This can help students to not only understand the allegorical elements of the story, but also to think critically about the themes and issues raised by the novel.