Things Fall Apart Essay Topics and Outline Examples
Essay Title 1: The Cultural Clash in "Things Fall Apart"
Thesis Statement: Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" explores the collision of Igbo traditional culture and European colonialism, illustrating the devastating consequences of cultural disintegration.
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Things Fall Apart Essay Topics and Outline Examples
Essay Title 1: The Cultural Clash in "Things Fall Apart"
Thesis Statement: Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" explores the collision of Igbo traditional culture and European colonialism, illustrating the devastating consequences of cultural disintegration.
Outline:
Introduction
Igbo Traditional Culture and Values
The Arrival of European Colonists
Conflicts and Changes in Igbo Society
The Tragic Consequences of Cultural Clash
Conclusion
Essay Title 2: Character Analysis of Okonkwo in "Things Fall Apart"
Thesis Statement: Okonkwo, the protagonist of "Things Fall Apart," embodies both admirable and tragic qualities, making him a complex character whose fate reflects larger themes of the novel.
Outline:
Introduction
Okonkwo's Early Life and Ambitions
Strengths and Flaws of Okonkwo's Character
Okonkwo's Struggles and Downfall
Okonkwo's Role in the Novel's Themes
Conclusion
Essay Title 3: Gender Roles and Women's Power in "Things Fall Apart"
Thesis Statement: Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" challenges traditional gender roles within the Igbo society by portraying the strength, resilience, and influence of women, particularly through the character of Ezinma.
The structure of the African novel is seen to be made up from two different frameworks, the external, or international, and the indigenous “mode of discourse and artistic expression.” Made-to-order essay as fast as you need it Each essay is customized to cater to your...
After conducting extensive research studying cultures around the world, theorist and social anthropologist Peter Van Der Veer remarked that “the critical elements, like those to be found in the spiritual ideas at the beginning of the 20th century, are missing” (Van Der Veer). Spirituality, a...
The novels Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Moby Dick by Herman Melville feature two uniquely different characters who similarly strive for fulfillment amidst uncertainty and danger, completely devoid of moral qualms about extremities taken in pursuit of this. At face-value, the two seem...
Power and respect take years to be earned however it only takes one mistake for it to all be taken away. Ngugi Wa Thiongo’s A Grain Of Wheat and Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart both capture the lives and hardships of Kenyans and Nigerians during...
Culture plays a huge role in both Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Both novels feature specific sets of culture that contribute to the characterization of the protagonist. Things Fall Apart and Indian Horse both feature acts of assimilation...
Chapter two of Questions of Character by Joseph L. Badaracco Jr. discusses moral codes and how leaders develop their own. Badaracco uses the story Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe to illustrate his message. The story centers around the leader of an African tribe named...
In Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart,” the characters Okonkwo and Unoka are two very different individuals who embody contrasting values and principles. Okonkwo is a powerful, ambitious, and dominant figure in his community, while Unoka is a weak, lazy, and unsuccessful man. The stark...
When reading any novel of your interest, do you ever look at the deeper meaning of it or do you just reading for your entertainment? The novel Things Fall Apart has this one specific character that catches my eye and his name is Okonkwo. Okonkwo...
In Chinua Achebe’s novel, “Things Fall Apart,” the story of Okonkwo, a proud and powerful Igbo leader in pre-colonial Nigeria, unfolds against the backdrop of cultural clash and colonial invasion. As the title suggests, the novel explores the disintegration of traditional African society and the...
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is a seminal work that explores the complexities of pre- and post-colonial African life. One of the most compelling characters in the novel is Nwoye, the son of the protagonist Okonkwo. Nwoye’s journey is emblematic of the broader cultural and...
The impact of colonialism in Things Fall Apart is a recurring theme that shapes the trajectory of the novel’s characters and the Igbo society they inhabit. Chinua Achebe’s masterpiece serves as a poignant exploration of the consequences of European colonization on indigenous cultures. This essay...
Novel “Things Fall Apart” tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected leader in the Igbo society who struggles to adapt to the changes brought by colonialism. Throughout the novel, Okonkwo’s tone and language reflect his internal struggles, cultural beliefs, and ultimately his tragic downfall. This...
Introduction Chinua Achebe’s seminal novel, Things Fall Apart, presents a vivid portrayal of pre-colonial African society and the ensuing cultural clash brought about by European colonization. Central to this narrative is the character of Okonkwo, a complex and multifaceted individual whose life encapsulates the tensions...
The United for Human Rights states the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with Thirty Articles to protect human rights. According to the United Nations, human rights are based on the fact that human beings require dignity and to be treated in respect. In Chinua Achebe’s...
Introduction: Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart” portrays the life of Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the Igbo society of Nigeria. Okonkwo’s character is a fascinating study in conflicting emotions and motivations, making him a sympathetic character despite his flaws. This essay aims to explore...
In Chinua Achebe’s seminal work, “Things Fall Apart,” the protagonist, Okonkwo, stands as a representative of the traditional Igbo society and its values. Through his life and ultimate downfall, Achebe intricately crafts Okonkwo as a tragic hero. This essay explores Okonkwo’s tragic heroism by examining...
Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, provides a unique and insightful portrayal of Igbo culture in Nigeria. This essay will interpret the portrayal of Igbo culture in the novel, analyzing its key elements and the impact it has on the plot and characters. Made-to-order essay...
Made-to-order essay as fast as you need it Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences + experts online Get my essay Understanding Nwoye’s Transformation in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” In the novel “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, Nwoye goes through...
Introduction Chinua Achebe’s seminal work, “Things Fall Apart,” offers a poignant exploration of the cultural and personal upheavals experienced by the Igbo society during the advent of European colonialism. At the heart of this novel is Okonkwo, a character whose life and eventual demise encapsulate...
Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart” provides an insightful look into the traditional Igbo society and the roles of men and women within it. In this essay, we will explore the significant role that women play in shaping the narrative, challenging gender norms, and maintaining...
Chinua Achebe’s novel is a gripping portrayal of the tumultuous changes that occurred in Nigeria during the late 19th century. The novel follows the life of Okonkwo, a respected leader in the Igbo community, as he grapples with the impact of colonialism on traditional African...
Introduction Chinua Achebe’s seminal novel, “Things Fall Apart,” paints a vivid portrait of pre-colonial Igbo society and its eventual disruption by European colonizers. Central to this narrative is Okonkwo, a figure whose life is marked by relentless determination to succeed and a fervent adherence to...
In Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart,” the character of Nwoye represents the clash of cultures between traditional Igbo society and the invading Christian missionaries. This cultural collision serves as a central theme in the novel, highlighting the tension and conflict that arises when two...
Okonkwo is a prominent figure in the Igbo community, known for his strength, determination, and adherence to traditional values. However, his character is also marked by flaws and contradictions, making him a compelling and multi-faceted protagonist. This essay will delve into the various dimensions of...
From the very beginning of Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart,” the character of Okonkwo is portrayed as a man haunted by the shadow of his father. Okonkwo’s relationship with his father is a central theme in the novel, as it shapes his personality, actions,...
In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the character Ekwefi is introduced as the second wife of the protagonist Okonkwo. Ekwefi’s story is one of loss and tragedy, as she suffers multiple miscarriages and the tragic loss of her only surviving daughter. Through Ekwefi’s character and...
Through the character of Okonkwo, Achebe explores the clash between Western culture and traditional African values, and the consequences of this collision on individuals and communities. This essay will examine the role of missionaries in Things Fall Apart, and their influence on the Igbo society,...
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Irony is an essential tool used by authors to enhance the themes and messages of their works. Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is an exemplary novel that employs irony to convey the themes of the novel effectively. This essay aims to explore the different types...
Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, is a rich and complex work that explores the traditional Igbo society and the impact of colonialism. One of the central concepts in the novel is the idea of chi, which plays a significant role in the lives of...
The European invasion and earlier colonial accounts of African history.
Symbols/motives
Colonialism, culture, family, friendship, life, struggle, politics, a cultural clash, Igbo society
Influence
While the African culture is often ignored, this particular book speaks directly about life in the Igbo society. It also tells an insider story of the African experience that becomes clear for those people who are not directly involved. It tells about the spiritual history of African people and makes a cultural aspect that is often ignored even through the lens of colonial background.
Plot
This complex, yet profound novel tells us a story of Okonkwo, a wrestling champion belonging to the Igbo community. The novel takes place among the fictional clan where we learn about family life, history of the main character, custom, society, and the usual challenges. The third part of the book deals with the Christian missionaries and the European colonialism.
Interesting facts
The title of the book has been taken from a poem called "The Second Coming", which has been penned by W.B. Yeats.
Achebe's goal has been to let the readers learn more about the African society that has been dynamic and vivid, yet completely different from the Western society.
The book shows Africa as a modern and well-developed society.
The "Things Fall Apart" manuscript has been lost for months until it has finally been found for publishing.
Achebe has been influenced by the style of Charles Dickens.
The book has given a start for the African literature all over the world.
Achebe's work has helped to break down numerous stereotypes about the African society and the tribes.
Quotes
“The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.”
“A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”
“If you don't like my story, write your own”
“Then listen to me,' he said and cleared his throat. 'It's true that a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother's hut. A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you. She is buried there. And that is why we say that mother is supreme. Is it right that you, Okonkwo, should bring your mother a heavy face and refuse to be comforted? Be careful or you may displease the dead. Your duty is to comfort your wives and children and take them back to your fatherland after seven years. But if you allow sorrow to weigh you down and kill you, they will all die in exile.”
“Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings.”
Why is this topic important
The most important lesson that this book brings and a reason why it is essential for us is the socio-cultural clash that takes place as the colonial times arrive. We are given an opportunity to compare the things that were usual for Igbo community and the changes that immediately took place, mostly against a person's will.
Why should this topic be used
It is an important topic that helps us to write about the culture, society, our background, history, and the changes that we have to endure when the new changes come. The book is a great example of how the old friendships and tradition vs change instantly become broken when the cultural pressure comes up. It is also a great novel that tells us about our faith and the rule of power.
What is Okonkwo's breakdown?
Okonkwo is an element or a symbol of peripeteia or a dramatic reversal. We can follow Okonkwo's path from being a man of respect to becoming an outcast in his tribe (clan). The tragedy of his death (suicide) is what represents the downfall.
References
1. Rhoads, D. A. (1993). Culture in Chinua Achebe's Things fall apart. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/african-studies-review/article/abs/culture-in-chinua-achebes-things-fall-apart/D123B160B650B9BE84E6E85ACF032B9A African Studies Review, 36(2), 61-72.
2. Caldwell, R. (2005). Things fall apart? Discourses on agency and change in organizations. Human relations, 58(1), 83-114. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0018726705050937?journalCode=huma)
3. Ikuenobe, P. (2006). The idea of personhood in Chinua Achebe’s Things fall apart. Philosophia Africana, 9(2), 117-131. (https://www.pdcnet.org/philafricana/content/philafricana_2006_0009_0002_0117_0131)
4. Parmentier, M. A., & Fischer, E. (2015). Things fall apart: The dynamics of brand audience dissipation. Journal of Consumer Research, 41(5), 1228-1251. (https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article/41/5/1228/2962093)
5. Nnoromele, P. C. (2000). The Plight of a Hero in Achebe s" Things Fall Apart". College Literature, 27(2), 146-156. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/25112519)
6. Shiner, M., Scourfield, J., Fincham, B., & Langer, S. (2009). When things fall apart: Gender and suicide across the life-course. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953609003670 Social Science & Medicine, 69(5), 738-746.
7. Ten Kortenaar, N. (1991). How the centre is made to hold in Things Fall Apart. ESC: English Studies in Canada, 17(3), 319-336. (https://muse.jhu.edu/article/694908)
8. McCormick, G. H., Horton, S. B., & Harrison, L. A. (2007). Things Fall Apart: the endgame dynamics of internal wars. Third World Quarterly, 28(2), 321-367. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01436590601153721)
