Themes in Things Fall Apart

1. The tension between tradition and change:

One of the main themes of the novel is the tension between tradition and change.
Achebe shows how the arrival of European colonialism challenges and disrupts the
traditional Igbo way of life. The Igbo people have their own customs, beliefs, and
practices, which are deeply rooted in their culture and history. However, when the
British missionaries come to their village, they bring with them a new religion,
language, and culture that clash with the traditional ways. The tension between
tradition and change is exemplified in the character of Okonkwo, who struggles to
adapt to the changing world around him. He feels that his way of life is being
threatened by the arrival of the white man and their religion. For example, when he
returns from his exile, he finds that the missionaries have built a church in the village
and converted some of the villagers to Christianity. He fears that this will lead to the
destruction of the traditional way of life, and he tries to rally the villagers to fight
against the white man's influence.

2. The importance of family and community:

Another major theme in "Things Fall Apart" is the importance of family and
community in Igbo culture. Achebe portrays the Igbo society as a close-knit
community where family ties are strong, and everyone has a role to play in
maintaining social order. This is shown through the emphasis placed on kinship ties
and the roles of elders in decision-making processes. For example, when Okonkwo
accidentally kills a clansman, he is exiled for seven years as punishment. During this
time, he returns to his mother's village and is welcomed by his maternal uncle, who
helps him rebuild his life. During his absence, his family and community suffer, and
he realizes that he has been too focused on his own ambitions and has neglected his
responsibilities to his family and community.

3. The role of religion:

Religion is an important theme in Things Fall Apart as the novel explores the role of
religion in Igbo culture. The Igbo people have their own religious beliefs and
practices, which include the worship of ancestral spirits, gods, and divination. These
beliefs are integral to their culture and worldview, and they shape their understanding
of the world around them. For example, when Ezeudu, the oldest man in the village,
dies, the Igbo people perform a traditional funeral ceremony to honor his spirit and
ensure that he has a peaceful transition to the afterlife. This shows how important
ancestral spirits are to the Igbo people, and how they believe in the continuity of life
beyond death.
 4. The dangers of pride and ambition:

Achebe also explores the theme of the dangers of pride and ambition in "Things Fall
Apart." The protagonist, Okonkwo, is a proud and ambitious man who strives to be
successful in his community. However, his pride and ambition lead to his downfall, as
he becomes increasingly violent and aggressive. For example, when he beats his wife
during the Week of Peace, he is punished by the gods and has to make a sacrifice to
atone for his sin. Despite this warning, he continues to act with excessive pride and
ambition, which leads to his exile and eventual suicide. The novel shows how
Okonkwo's pride blinds him to the consequences of his actions and ultimately leads to
his downfall.

5. The effects of colonialism:

The novel depicts the impact of colonialism on traditional societies, including the loss
of cultural identity and the disruption of social and economic systems. The arrival of
the white colonizers brings about significant changes in the Igbo way of life, as their
customs and beliefs are replaced by Western values and practices. For example, the
introduction of a cash-based economy leads to the decline of traditional bartering
systems, and the imposition of Western education leads to a loss of knowledge about
Igbo history and culture. Additionally, the white colonizers use violence and force to
impose their will on the Igbo people, leading to conflict and destruction.