Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe
Synopses
• Okonkwo is a wealthy and respected warrior of the Umuofia clan, a Nigerian
tribe that is part of nine interconnected villages. He is haunted by the actions
of Unoka, his cowardly father, who died in disgrace, leaving many village
debts unsettled. In response, Okonkwo became a clansman, warrior, farmer,
and family provider. Okonkwo lives his life normally until he is exiled after a
accident at the funeral of a clan leader.
Theme
• Self Image- Okonkwo didn’t want to be seen as a weak man. He wanted his
village good memories of him and he didn’t want to perceived the same way
his father was.
Symbols
• The Kola Nut- the Kola nut is offered as a sign of peace and respect. They
are also used as sacrificial items to the Gods.
• Fire- fire represents Okonkwo’s rage and aggression towards other villagers
Chinua Achebe
• Born in Eastern Nigeria
November 16th 1930
Full name Albert Chinualumoge Achebe
• Grew up with two parents and 8 siblings
• Studied at University of Ibadan
• 1958 Things Fall Apart goes ground breaking selling 12 million+ copies
1960’s- said to be his fertile stage
In 10 years came out with 16 novels
• 1990- Visiting back into Nigeria
Got into a trauma car accident
Left him paralyzed from the waist down
Wheelchair for the rest of his life
• Ten years later
Became a professor at Brown University in Provence, Rhode Island
• Died in March of 2013 at the age of 82, in Boston, Massachusetts
Sales Pitch
• Come to Africa for our outstanding yams and our great entertainment, in the
book Things Fall Apart, you feel as if you went through all of their traditions
and lives.
Quotes
• “The best book I ever read” Oprah
• “The author of this book, Chinua Achebe, shows the world of Okonkwo
and how he changes throughout the book.” Betty White
• “His top seller is the best, he brings the theme of self image to life for
Okonkwo towards not wanting to be like his father and checking himself.”
Nelson Mandela
• An amazing imagination of Chinua that helps you see the life of all his
characters and what Africa was really like in the 1920’s” Barack Obama
Oknokwo
• An influential clan leader in Umuofia. Okonkwo’s hard work and prowess in war have
earned him a position of high status in his clan, and he attains wealth sufficient to support
three wives and their children. Okonkwo’s tragic flaw is that he is terrified of looking weak
like his father. As a result, he behaves impulsively, bringing trouble and sorrow upon himself
and his family.
• Actor: Denzel Washington
• Award: Biggest A**hole
Nowye
• Okonkwo’s oldest son, whom Okonkwo believes is weak and lazy. Okonkwo
constantly beats Nwoye, hoping to correct the faults that he sees in him.
• Actor: Marc John Jefferies
• Award: Most Lazy
Ekwefi
• Okonkwo’s second wife, Ekwefi ran away from her first husband to live with
Okonkwo. Ezinma is her only surviving child, her other nine having died in
infancy, and Ekwefi constantly fears that she will lose Ezinma as well.
• Actresses: Gabourey Sidibe
• Award: Most Beaten
Mr. Brown
• The first white missionary to travel to Umuofia. He becomes friends with
prominent clansmen and builds a school and a hospital in Umuofia.
• Actor: Kevin Spacey
• Award: Most Intrusive
Unoka
• Okonkwo’s father, of whom Okonkwo has been ashamed since childhood.
By the standards of the clan, Unoka was a coward and a spendthrift. He
motivates Okonkwo to be the man he is.
• Actor: Samuel Jackson
• Award: The Town Drunk
Obierika
• Okonkwo’s close friend, Obierika looks out for his friend, selling Okonkwo’s
yams to ensure that Okonkwo won’t suffer financial ruin while in exile and
comforting Okonkwo when he is depressed.
• Actor: Jamie Foxx
• Award: Most Respectable
Questions
• Who is the Author of the book?
a. Barrack Obama
b. Okonkwo
c. Chinua Achebe
d. Nelson Mandela
Questions
• Where does the book take place?
a. Ghana
b. Nigeria
c. Ethiopia
d. Kenya
Questions
• What vegetable does Okonkwo grow?
a. Watermelon
b. Bananas
c. Yams
d. Apple
Questions
• How many wives does Okonkwo have?
a. 1
b. 0
c. 5
d. 3
Questions
• Village is Okonkwo from?
a. Jonestown
b. Bastone
c. Umuofia
d. Nome
Questions
• How many siblings did the author, Chinua Achebe, have?
a. 3
b. 6
c. 8
d. 1
Questions
• Who motivates Oknokwo to be a beter man.
a. His Mother
b. His Father
c. His Children
d. His God
Questions
• What was the name of Okonkwo's daughter?
a. Ezinma
b. Unoka
c. Ekwek
d. Obierika
Questions
• How long was Okonkwo exiled for?
a. 2 months
b. 1 year
c. 10 years
d. 7 years
Questions
• What did the Kola nut represent?
a. War and Poverty
b. Peace and Respect
c. Love and Happiness
d. Hate and Despair