The main character Okonkwo is a very complex figure. He is a strong - willed man who adheres to the traditional values of his tribe. However, his excessive pride and fear of being seen as weak often lead him into trouble. His relationship with his father also deeply influences his character and actions.
The theme of masculinity also plays a big part. Okonkwo, the main character, is constantly trying to prove his manliness according to the Igbo standards. His fear of being seen as weak like his father drives many of his actions throughout the story.
Nwoye is Okonkwo's son. He is a sensitive young man who struggles with the strict and sometimes harsh Igbo traditions. His character is important as he becomes one of the first in the village to be attracted to the new Christian teachings brought by the white missionaries.
The title 'Things Fall Apart' directly reflects the main theme of the book. It means the destruction or disintegration of the Igbo society. As the story progresses, we see how the traditional ways of life, social hierarchies, and cultural values of the Igbo people are broken down due to the influence of colonialism.
Chinua Achebe wrote the novel to present a nuanced view of pre-colonial African society and to explore the conflicts and changes that occurred with the arrival of colonial powers. It was a way for him to assert the importance and value of African traditions and identities.
It's hard to say exactly which novel inspired Achebe. His inspiration likely emerged from a rich tapestry of African literature, history, and his personal experiences. There's no one novel that can be clearly identified as the key trigger.
In 'The Voter', Chinua Achebe explores themes of politics and corruption in a Nigerian village. The story shows how the power of voting can be manipulated. For example, the main character is faced with a difficult choice between his loyalty to a candidate and the potential benefits of voting for another. It's a story that reflects the complex social and political dynamics in African communities.
In 'Things Fall Apart', the main character's sense of identity and the unity of the tribe fall apart. Changes in the economic and political landscape contribute to this breakdown, as well as the clash of different belief systems.
In the novel, the social fabric and community bonds gradually fall apart due to various external and internal factors. The introduction of new customs and laws from the colonizers disrupts the existing order, and internal conflicts within the community also contribute to this breakdown.