The Book Things Fall Apart Is One Of Africa’S Most...

The book Things Fall Apart is one of Africa’s most significant works of literature. Because of its unique spin on European colonialism from an African tribesman’s perspective and its eloquent use of Igbo vocabulary, the volume continually draws in readers from various backgrounds and locations. Attention to detail and foreshadowing are common throughout the book; zeroing in on certain motifs and themes relating to African culture. One motif examined throughout the novel is chi. Author Chinua Achebe expresses the conflict between whether the main character, Okonkwo, can control his tragic fate or if his calamitous ending is the product of his personal chi. This essay will prove that his chi, or personal god, is the root of his downfall, not†¦show more content†¦Since Okonkwo’s life is full of violence, he suffers a violent death-hanging himself, which is â€Å"an abomination to the earth goddess† (Achebe 205). This proves the following claim, †Å"A man cannot rise beyond the destiny of his chi† (Achebe 131). Despite his constant efforts to fight his destiny, Okonkwo crumbles and ultimately realizes he cannot change the path his chi has chosen for him. Other critics believe Okonkwo has the ability and power to control his fate, as well as his chi, throughout his life. For instance, â€Å"Okonkwo resorts to violence in order to maintain control of a situation and assert his manliness† (Iyasere 68). This quote nearly means Okonkwo must constantly oversee situations, especially situations involving his chi. Because of his physical strength and persistently violent attitude, Okonkwo is feared, as well as respected, by those around him as a leader and conqueror. â€Å"His fame rested on solid personal achievements,† Chinua Achebe shares (1). Besides his physical attributes, Okonkwo â€Å"treat[s] [others] with great honor and respect† (Achebe 12), but not his chi. Instead of bargaining with his chi about certain decisions regarding his fate, such as immediately apologizing to his wife during the Week of Peace, Okonkwo alternatively â€Å"mold[s] his chi to his will,† Solomon Iyasere claims, in order to get wh at he wants (68). This violentShow MoreRelatedAchebe1599 Words   |  7 Pages Achebe’s Defense of The Ibo People in Things Fall Apart Option 1 The late Chinua Achebe is considered to be one of the most important voices in African literature. Born in colonial Nigeria in the 1930’s, Achebe joined the first wave of African writers who were determined to represent their country in a way that would truthfully depict the past and present. Before the arrival of the first wave writers, the history of pre-colonial Africa was portrayed as a place of barbarous activity. 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