Things Fall Apart Critical Analysis Essay Example
Good Literature is beyond its immediate context
Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel, Things Fall Apart clearly establishes the statement ‘Good literature is beyond its immediate context’ to be germane and true. The novels tragic protagonist, Okonkwo embodies a character well beyond an African context. His persona can be paralleled to those of key Shakespearean characters in the Western literary canon and thus has universal relevance. Achebe’s skilful use of narrative features such as the issues of masculinity and power, characterisation, motifs and symbolic and idiomatic language, helps in creating textual integrity. These qualities offer universal appeal as the text can be valued from post-colonial and gender perspectives which delve into the human nature.
Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, investigates the exploitation of a traditional African culture through the development of colonial forces. Achebe illustrates the Igbo heritage through the spiritual concepts and values which are closely linked with its nature and religion.
Through Achebe’s characterisation of Okonkwo, as an individual who struggles with his personal identity in the face of great change, to illustrate the notion of masculinity. This contributes to our understanding of the inherent flaws that emerge in humanity. The simile, “his reputation had grown like a bushfire in the harmattan” captures the societal admiration for Okonkwo thus reinforcing the tribal values of strength and courage. Consequently, Okonkwo represents the patriarchal values of masculinity, illuminating his inflexible will and underlying “fear of failure”. His position in society is reflected in ancestral concepts where “Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand.” Okonkwo’s masculinity becomes too overwhelming and results in a savage beating of his third wife during peace week, thus compromising Okonkwo’s integrity. Through Okonkwo’s fatal flaw, arrogance, Achebe educates us on the need for balance and displays the aspect of human
Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel, Things Fall Apart clearly establishes the statement ‘Good literature is beyond its immediate context’ to be germane and true. The novels tragic protagonist, Okonkwo embodies a character well beyond an African context. His persona can be paralleled to those of key Shakespearean characters in the Western literary canon and thus has universal relevance. Achebe’s skilful use of narrative features such as the issues of masculinity and power, characterisation, motifs and symbolic and idiomatic language, helps in creating textual integrity. These qualities offer universal appeal as the text can be valued from post-colonial and gender perspectives which delve into the human nature.
Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, investigates the exploitation of a traditional African culture through the development of colonial forces. Achebe illustrates the Igbo heritage through the spiritual concepts and values which are closely linked with its nature and religion.
Through Achebe’s characterisation of Okonkwo, as an individual who struggles with his personal identity in the face of great change, to illustrate the notion of masculinity. This contributes to our understanding of the inherent flaws that emerge in humanity. The simile, “his reputation had grown like a bushfire in the harmattan” captures the societal admiration for Okonkwo thus reinforcing the tribal values of strength and courage. Consequently, Okonkwo represents the patriarchal values of masculinity, illuminating his inflexible will and underlying “fear of failure”. His position in society is reflected in ancestral concepts where “Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand.” Okonkwo’s masculinity becomes too overwhelming and results in a savage beating of his third wife during peace week, thus compromising Okonkwo’s integrity. Through Okonkwo’s fatal flaw, arrogance, Achebe educates us on the need for balance and displays the aspect of human