Things fall apart
This novel is based on African setting and has been translated into many languages. It has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
This novel is divided into three parts.
Part one deals with
Okonkwo (protagonist) rise to social eminence.
Part two with as exiled to
Mbanta (mother’s ancestral village) for several years.
Part three his return to
Umouofia (his place).
Climax- Clashes with new Religion Christianity, administration, downfall , death , posthumous fall.
Set in the locale of two
Igbo villages of
Umuofia and
Mbanta, the setting becomes live with visual presentation of seasonal festivals, ceremonies, religion, social customs and political structure. The crucial function is to art, music, and story in traditional
Igbo society that is effectively rendered. African flavor is evident from the use of typical African language, name places, etc. This is the first quality that strikes the spectator. Concrete experience of African setting is impressive, as it intersects the entire humanity. This unique adaptation is aided by the use of wit, verbal vigor and power of vivid description. The literal translation of
Igbo proverbs and phrases are powerful linguistic device. The dual purpose is served by technical innovation with authenticity, highlighting that traditional wisdom has its strengths and weaknesses. Generous sprinkling of
Igbo terminology in spoken word with twist brings the real African essence. The African proverbs are storehouse of the community wisdom, the repository of knowledge gained by collective experience of generation. They are repeated for effective communication and are powerful than ordinary speech.
The novel / drama is filled with local languages, materialistic environment like the
harmattan wind,
udala, iroko trees are rendered with specificity and sensuousness. The historical details and culture-specific reality of landscape comes out live with tribal settings and panache. It is a charming vignette of regional life through the evocation of clans life in accurate and precise way. The potent symbols and settings in form of church, trading store, courthouse are progressively brought into the drama. Anthropological and ethnographic details are rendered and brought into contact with European powers. This drama responds to the winds of change blown by evolving colonization, sensitively. The role of chorus and rituals are important and effective. The chorus sings only when there is a moment of happiness. They are the indication of victory over evil and happy moment in the life of protagonist.
For example, when the protagonist becomes a leader, masks of barbarous gods appear to the clamor of drums, sticks and the chant of tribal song. Procession of warriors, leaders wives in shining tribal costumes, colorful robe brings in the realistic setting of African locale. Such ritual includes song dance, musical instruments, masks, use of smoke and loud cries are employed. It contributes to distinct African culture.