2210111517

Dilnara Gainidinova

T.C KARABUK UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

2023-2024 FALL TERM ELIT115

WRITING SKILLS 1 FINAL EXAM PAPER

25.01.2024
 Three major themes of “Things Fall Apart” by C. Achebe
In the literary landscape of the early 1950s, a transformative era emerged with the rise of
professional novelists. A seminal figure during this period, Chinua Achebe, etched his legacy
with the groundbreaking “Things Fall Apart” in 1958. This masterful work offers a poignant
reflection on the late 1800s, dominated by British colonization in Nigeria, establishing Achebe
not only as a luminary in African literature but also transcending cultural boundaries as a
timeless classic. Achebe’s continued contributions, including notable works like “No Longer at
Ease,” “Arrow of God,” and “Anthills of the Savannah,” solidify his enduring impact on global
literature, providing profound insights into African perspectives. In this essay the three major
themes of the novel such as “the significance of women”, “ancestor worship”, and “ the
effects of colonialism” will be discussed and explain how they are represented in the novel
“Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe (1958). (Thesis Statement)

To begin with, the portrayal of women's involvement in various societal activities is

crucial when recounting Africa. (Topic Sentence) Women, particularly mothers, play a central
role as primary educators, imparting valuable lessons to children through storytelling around the
fire. This educational role extends beyond instilling social values and good behavior,
encompassing the prevention of disrespect towards revered figures.Despite societal perceptions
of women as inferior, they are expected to fulfill crucial social duties, acting as primary school
teachers and safeguarding the family's reputation. Mothers, responsible for their children's
education, play a vital role in preventing disgrace and maintaining societal norms. Moreover,
women actively participate in religious activities, serving as priestesses in the Igbo religion.
These priestesses, endowed with great spiritual power, hold influence over their followers. The
example of Chielo, the priestess of Agbara, showcases women's authority in guiding adherents
and ensuring compliance with religious expectations. In essence, Achebe highlights the
multifaceted roles of women in "Things Fall Apart," underscoring their influence in
education, societal norms, and religious practices within the Igbo community.(Closing
Sentence)
Secondly, the exploration of "ancestor worship" reveals its intricate role within Igbo
culture, shaping the spiritual essence of the community and providing profound insights
into their traditions. (Topic Sentence) As a vital component intricately woven into the fabric of
Igbo culture, ancestor worship becomes a cornerstone, portraying the interconnectedness of the
living and the dead. The annual wrestling match transforms into ceremonial tributes,
underscoring the importance of ancestral spirits in guiding the destiny of the Igbo people.
Subsequently, Achebe introduces the mysterious Egwugwe, a symbol representing the spirits of
his forefathers. Their presence in customs and legal proceedings reveals the extensive impact of
their forebears, emphasizing their widespread significance in daily life and decision-making.In
addition to its role in shaping the spiritual essence of the community, ancestor worship in Igbo
culture manifests prominently through the annual wrestling match, where ceremonial tributes
underscore the vital connection between the living and the dead. Achebe skillfully weaves this
practice into the fabric of Igbo traditions, portraying it as a cornerstone that influences the
destiny of the people. These spiritual entities are not confined to ceremonial occasions but also
play a crucial role in customs and legal proceedings, underscoring their profound significance in
daily life and decision-making. Through this exploration, Achebe intricately showcases the
enduring presence and influence of ancestors in the cultural and spiritual tapestry of the
Igbo people, highlighting the dynamic interplay between tradition and the ever-evolving
life of the community. (Closing Sentence)
The third major theme is the cultural impact of colonialism, fervently addressed by
Chinua Achebe. (Topic Sentence) Colonial influences on European values and religion have
caused seismic shifts in the indigenous culture of the Igbo people. The introduction of
Christianity with foreign teachings disrupts traditional beliefs and rituals, leading to internal
conflicts within the community. Traditional customs have eroded, and the social cohesion once
present in Igbo society has been lost, leaving them feeling disconnected. Additionally, the
emergence of Western education speeds up cultural change, creating a divide between the old
and new ways of living. Colonialized society has led to the questioning and separation of cultural
belongings among younger generations. This generation gap exacerbates cultural decline and
highlights how colonialism not only affects the present but also shapes the future development of
societies. Essentially, Achebe’s piece ‘Things Fall Apart’ illustrates how colonialism inflicts
internal conflict and unites rich tradition. In this novel, the author explores the enduring effects
of colonialism on Indigenous cultures through an emotional lens. Achebe's poignant portrayal
emphasizes the enduring consequences of colonialism, revealing the intricate layers of internal
conflict and societal transformation. As the Igbo people grapple with the collision of tradition
and foreign influences, 'Things Fall Apart' serves as a powerful narrative reflecting the
profound impact of colonialism on cultural identity and the intergenerational dynamics
that shape the trajectory of indigenous societies. (Closing Statement)
To sum up, in “Things Fall Apart”, Chinua Achebe deftly combines themes such as
the role of women, ancestor worship, and colonial influence to create a story that goes
beyond mere historical criticism. (Concluding Statement) Characters like Ekwefi serve as
nuanced representations, navigating the complexities of both gender dynamics and ancestral
bonds. Achebe's story unfolds seamlessly, revealing the delicate interplay of these themes.
Furthermore, the devastating effects of colonialism have further exacerbated the challenges faced
by women, disrupting traditional practices and highlighting the deep connections between these
complex elements. Delving into the experiences of the characters, Achebe invites readers to
witness a complex dance of tradition, spirituality, and external forces.As the story unfolds,
Achebe's storytelling talent is evident in not only criticizing the colonial powers but also
revealing the overall nature of the fate of Igbo society.The novel is more than a historical
account, but a deep exploration that invites readers to understand the interconnectedness of
tradition, spirituality, and outside influences.In conclusion, Things Fall Apart remains a poignant
reminder of the resilience of cultures in the midst of change and a testament to the enduring
strength of the human spirit. Achebe's work feels like timeless stories, inviting us to think about
universal themes such as adaptation, tradition, and the complex dance between past and present.