Things Fall Apart

#1
Mary Antoinette Alovera
AP Literature
Ms. Ami Joy Danganan
April 26, 2013 “Things Fall Apart” is a novel written by Chinua Achebe and in this novel we can see on how the characteristics of the characters are somehow similar due to their environment but as their environment changes, their characteristics become different. This story is basically about a man’s tragedy. “Things Fall Apart” is a book in which everyone can relate in some way. It focuses on Achebe’s culture. Like Nwoye and his father Okonkwo, a father-and-son relationship could be complicated and difficult. This novel will help us to see the differences and similarities that are related to our families and it also teaches us about a new culture. It is clear that from the beginning of this book, Okonkwo and Nwoye are different and in fact somehow similar. Okonkwo is known to be a hard worker, a hard headed leader, and sometimes could be shy. This leads to Okonkwo hating his son, Nwoye. Nwoye then takes offense of his father through the entire book. With the differences that they have, they also have similarities. Their similarities with each other are mainly about their personalities. Like most fathers, Okonkwo wanted his son to be just like him. For instance, “Okonkwo wanted his son to be a great farmer and a great man. He would stamp out the disquieting signs of laziness which he thought he already saw in him.” (Things Fall Apart pg.33) Likewise from what Okonkwo wanted, Nwoye never wanted to be like his father. Okonkwo and Nwoye’s similarities were in their emotions as well. Okonkwo’s emotions are mainly about his anger and hatred. “Okonkwo never showed any emotion openly, unless it be the emotion of anger. To show affection of sign of weakness; the only things worth demonstrating was strength.” (Things Fall Apart p.28) Nwoye was the complete opposite,