Things Fall Apart

“Things Fall Apart” is a novel set in the Igbo community of Umuofia, Nigeria. Chinua Achebe, the author of this novel, characterizes a well known, and respected man named Okonkwo. Achebe carefully illustrates how Okonkwo life, culture and everything he knows to be true, falls apart. The title “Things Fall Apart” builds on the matter that nothing lasts forever. The title depicts the weakness of things and the great power influence and time can have over things.

You begin to see the first instances of Okonkwo's life falling apart when Ikemefuna, a prisoner who had been staying at Okonkwo's home, was killed.Okonkwo eventually began to consider Ikemefuna as one of his own sons. However Okonkwo made the executive decision to deliver the final blow
His aspirations of being a wealthy and respected by the clan had drifted away with this disturbing occurrence. Okonkwo had no longer had his compound or yams and his whole life had been put on hold. He was sent back to his motherland, Mbanta, a place that was completely foreign to him. Everything Okonkwo knew was gone for a total of 7 years. During this period Okonkwo is in deep despair. However, Uchendu, Okonkwo's uncle, implies that Okonkwo has a duty to honor his mother by withdrawing from giving way to despair. When crimes are committed, they impact the entire family. Just as Okonkwo’s family must share in his exile, they may also be affected if Okonkwo sins against his mother by despairing in his
‘How is your father?’ Obierika asked, not knowing what else to say.
‘I don’t know. He is not my father,’ said Nwoye, unhappily.
And so Obierika went to Mbanta to see his friend. And he found that Okonkwo did not wish to speak about Nwoye.” (Chapter 16)

Both father and son have conveyed a wish to separate themselves from each other and cut off all contact or means of affiliation. Each is embarrassed and resentful to be in association to the other now, Nwoye because he has never forgiven his father for killing Ikemefuna and Okonkwo, because of Nwoye’s new found religion. Even with their blood connection, there is no affection or respect in their relationship, and they no longer consider each other to be family. When news came to him that Nwoye was among the white men, one could have foreseen that only no good was coming to Okonkwo after that.
Based upon the recent events that have occurred in Okonkwo's life, the title “Things Fall Apart” perfectly suits the book. Okonkwo's life changes drastically of the course of the book and more bad comes to him than good. The title implies the overall theme throughout the