Themes
This theme is shown through Okonkwo's fear of being like his father, Unoka.
Masculinity/fear of weakness
Word meaning the practice where a powerful nation takes control of a foreign territory, occupying it with settlers and exploiting its resources, economy, and people.
Colonialism
This character embodies gentleness and artistic sensitivity. He is the father of Okonkwo.
Unoka
The reason Okonkwo was exiled.
Accidentally killed Ezeudu's son.
The author of the book (first and last name).
Chinua Achebe
The arrival of the missionaries primarily develops this theme/vocab word.
Colonialism
Igo term for house or hut.
Obi
This character most clearly represents the internal conflict in Igbo society (traditional ideas vs. new/modern ideas).
Nwoye
A event that deeply traumatized and changed Nwoye forever.
Ikemefuna's murder
This is Achebe's most published book, with it selling over 20 million copies. Bonus points if you remember the year that it was published!
Things Fall Apart (1958)
Okonkwo's inability to adapt reinforces this theme.
Change vs. tradition
Igbo term for outcasts (socially rejected people).
Osu
This character is a symbolic "bridge" between cultures.
Mr. Brown
This is what the District Commissioner plans to write.
A book about Africa, but more specifically, The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger.
The celebrity who offered Achebe $1,000,000 to make a movie adaptation of Things Fall Apart.
50 Cent
Okonkwo's exile helps develop this theme regarding fate.
Destiny or the role of chi
Word meaning a natural fiber derived from the leaves of the Agave plant, typically used for textiles.
Sisal
This character embodies rigid religious beliefs (extremism).
Reverend Smith
This is why Umuofia does not initially resist the colonizers in an effective way.
Lack of unity and/or internal divides
This event occurred in Nigeria and caused Achebe's life to change forever.
A car accident in 1990 paralyzed him from the waist down.
Achebe challenges European stereotypes of Nigeria by emphasizing this theme.
African culture/complexity of Igbo society
Word that means making things right for a wrong or injury, sometimes used in a religious context.
Atonement
This character serves as Okonkwo's voice of reason.
Obierika
Okonwo's final act.
He commits suicide by hanging himself.
The MM/DD/YYYY of Achebe's birth and death.
Birth: 11/16/1930 & Death: 03/21/2013