Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Literary analysis – Things Fall Apart

The world treats everybody differently, in some cases very unfair. Some are born healthy, strong and wealthy while other, less fortunate, are born with nothing but their own body. Such was the case of Okonkwo, a boy who’s father brought him nothing but pain and suffering. The shame Okonkwo felt for him were greater than the pride most son’s feel for their fathers. However, against all odds, Okonkwo grew up to become one of the clan’s most respected and fearsome men and thought he that he for once could leave his tragedy behind him. He couldn’t, and that is because some people simply are born unfortunate.

After his tragic begining in life Okonkwo swore that he would become the opposite to his father. He were going to work hard, become wealthy and respected by the other clan members. Chinua Achebe writes in his book that ”His fame rested on solid personal achivements.” (Things Fall Apart). This states that he had to rely solely on himself to achive greatness. One would think that his tragedy would end there but that is, unfortunetly, not the case. He face destruction all around him and his life never go as planned.

Travellers who, at first, seem peaceful comes to live with Okonkwo and his people. The strangers slowly enforce their own religion upon them and teach them to live by other rules than their own. Some are tempted and let their guard down while others, including Okonkwo, understand that the visitors slow but steady divides the clan. When they decide to speak up it is too late and the strangers have already influenced too many of the clan members. This all happens when Okonkwo finally would have left his hopeless situation behind him. Instead he and his friends are lead into another