Things Fall Apart- Chinua Acebe
Chapter 8
Elements
Characterization
Major Characters
Okonkwo
• Okonkwo wishes that his daughter Ezinma was a boy because she has the right attitude to be one.
• Okonkwo thinks that keeping busy and doing work is the solution to getting things off his mind.
• Okonkwo thinks that too much of his father is present in Nwoye.
• He thinks that it is good for the ozo title to be held high in esteem.
• Okonkwo also prefers to stick to the traditional ways of doing things
Oknokwo believes highly in manliness and when he was reminded of his father, he tried to comfort himself with his most recent act of manliness. He reminded himself of it even though the killing of Ikemefuna was troubling him with guilt Okonkwo feels distraught for killing Ikemefuna but wishes to not say it. He feels upset at himself for being too sensitive about this and thinks that he is acting womanly.. Even though he is being plagued by the killing, he still believes that the Oracle was to be obeyed. Okonkwo believes that manliness does not allow a husband to be inseparable and outwardly loving to his wife.
Obierka
Obierka thinks that Okonkwo is too hard on his children and that Nwoye has too much of his grandfather in him. He is also worried about his own son Maduka , who he thinks is too hasty and sharp. Obierka periodically questions tribal law and believes that some changes can improve society. He does not feel the need to prove his masculinity by killing someone who considered him a father. Obierka is friends with Okonkwo and tries to comfort him while he is in distress.
Minor characters
Ezinma
Ofuedo
Akueke
Maduka
Ibe
Ukegbu
Machi
Point of View
The story is written in the third person omniscient, follows around the main character Okonkwo but also represents the perspective of the Ibo people.
Tone
The writer uses Okonkwo’s guilt and Obierka’s disapproval to show that the killing of Ikemefuna was wrong.
Language
The author uses much of the indigenous African language. There are not many big words used. The author however does take the use of proverbs to convey certain meanings.
Time
Pre colonization
After the death of Ikemefuna
Bride Price for Obierka’s daughter
Rest period during the yam harvest
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