Book Review: 'Things Fall Apart'

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Things Fall Apart

Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the center cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. -W. B. Yeats, "The Second Coming" It is from this excerpt of the Yeats' poem that Chinua Achebe chose the title of his novel, Things Fall Apart. The story is set in turn of the century Nigeria, at the lbo village of Umuofia. It is at the time of the British colonization of Nigeria, a time when life for some members of the lbo people did begin to fall apart. Achebe's novel presents a look at the complex nature of the lbo society. His writing also displays many notions of human nature. One concept is cultural misunderstanding. Another idea about human nature is how the flexibility or rigidity of one's character affects one's fate. Things Fall Apart also illustrates how the lbo practice of relegating certain members of their society eventually becomes a component in the destruction of the life they have always known. We also can see the theme of destiny throughout the novel. In many instances in Achebe's narrative, the need for equilibrium between individual needs and the needs of the community is apparent. The combination of these themes with the authentic insight of the Nigerian Achebe, have made Things Fall Apart one of the classics of all literature. Achebe succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the complexity of the lbo society. He gives detailed descriptions of the social and family rituals of the lbo, such as the yearly Feast of the New Yam. Achebe also gives insight into the laws and trial processes of these people. Things Fall Apart also gives an excellent look at the marriage customs and religious practices of the lbo people, and the mechanis...

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...dea of what these people were like before British colonization. Without this insight into their culture, the reader would not have a full understanding of the changes and eventual downfall of the lbo. The scenes of cultural misunderstanding, and the mistreatment of women and outcasts, help to understand the conflicts that arise between the lbo and the British missionaries. Things Fall Apart is an excellent piece of literature. Achebe paints a picture of a people that most Westerners would otherwise never understand. He takes the reader right into the community of Umuofia. Achebe gives such a wonderful understanding of the conflict and strife of the lbo people at the time of colonization. The historical significance of Things Fall Apart is immeasurable. Achebe simply gives the world a look at the end of a traditional way of life caused by the specter of imperialism.

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