IS "THINGS FALL APART" THE

TRAGEDY OF INDIVIDUAL OR
THE TRAGEDY OF A SOCIETY??
INTRO
THINGS FALL APART by CHINUA ACHEBE is a
complex,interesting and multi layered novel that explores the tragedy
of both an individual and a society in the context of colonialisim and
cultural change ,here is a detailed breakedown
 TRAGEDY OF AN INDIVIDUAL
~OKONKWO~
• OKONKWO ,the protagonist of the novel is a proud and strong-willed
warrior in the Igbo village of Umuofia.
• His tragic flaw lies in his deep-seated fear of weakness
and failure which stems from his father's reputation as a lazy and
ineffectual man
• OKONKWO's pursuit of success and masculinity leads him
to become harsh,demineering and intolorent of many deviation from
traditional norms
• His exile from the Umuofia ,accidental killing of a clansman, and
eventual suicide all illustriate the personal tragedy of a man consumed by
his own insecurities and fears
 TRAGEDY OF THE SOCIETY
~IGBO CULTURE~

• Through OKONKWO's story, the author also explores the broader tragedy of IGBO
society in the face of colonial intrusion
• The arrival of EUROPEAN colonizers ,embodied by figures like the ZEALOUS
missionary MR BROWN and the oppressive district comissoner, disrupts the traditional
way of life in UMUOFIA and other IGBO villages
• IGBO customs, beliefs and social structures are undermined and eroded by the influence
of christianity, western education therefore the younger generation will embrace their
"NEW" identity
• Loss of identity begins to spark up as the influence of colonialism grows, many IGBO
people begin to question their identity and sense of belonging (same as most of us in this
day and age)
• The introduction of christanity and western Education creates a conflict and division
between those who embrace the new order and those who cling to the old ways
• This conflict results in a loss of cultural cohesion and a sense of alienation for many
This is a picture
of Christian
missionaries in
the Igbo village
• THIS IS NOT THE IGBO TRIBE
BUT OTHER SIMILAR
NIGERIAN VILLEGES
BEFORE SLAVERY AND WESTERN
INLFUENCE
AFTER SLAVERY AND WESTERN INLUENCE

BY.SIYABONGA
MASINGA