Name:

Figurative Language in Things

Fall Apart

What is figurative language? It is a word or phrase that is used beyond its literal
meaning for the sake of emphasis, comparison, or clarity, or freshness. Three
specific figurative language devices used in Things Fall Apart are metaphor, simile,
and personification.

- Metaphor: the direct comparison between two unlike things that actually have something
in common. Unlike simile, metaphors do not use the words “like” or “as”.
“Life is a zoo in a jungle.”

- Simile: the comparison between two unlike things using the words “like” or as”.
“The town square was buzzing like a beehive.”

- Personification: the technique in which inanimate objects or nonhuman organisms are

given human characteristics.
“The wind stood up and gave a shout.”
 Proverbs: A phrase or saying that gives advice, often in an allegorical way.
“Even a small star shines in the darkness.”

Figurative language is used repeatedly in Things Fall Apart. Achebe uses simile to highlight
qualities of the people in his novel and he uses metaphor to show the characteristics of Ibo
traditions. Achebe uses personification to give life to the rituals of Nigerian culture. He uses
proverbs to reveal their beliefs.

In the boxes below, please find four (4) examples of figurative language in Part
One of Things Fall Apart. Of these five, you must show at least one (1) example of
metaphor, at least one (1) example of simile, and at least one (1) example of
personification and one (1) proverb. In addition, include two examples of changes
that Okonkwo or other members of his clan are undergoing.

Example of figurative Page Type of Analysis—why does Achebe use

language. Please write the
direct quote. Use ellipses
(…) if necessary.
Example:
He [Okonkwo] had been
cast out of his clan like a fish
onto a dry, sandy beach,
panting.”
1.
number figurative figurative language in this example?
language What is the purpose in the novel?
131 Simile To show that Okonkwo feels like he
is dying or suffering in his
“motherland of Mbanta. He does
not know how to adapt to his new
identity. He cannot embrace change.

2.
3.
4.
Quotation that reflects the
theme of change.
Example:
“Abame has been wiped out.
It is a strange and terrible
story…They killed him and
tied up his iron horse.”
Page # Character How does this relate to change?
139 Obierika This shows that the British have
come to the area and the villagers
fear them because they are different.
They have never seen a bicycle, so
they assume it is evil.