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Things Fall Apart

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Things Fall Apart: Literary Analysis In Things Fall Apart, a realistic fiction novel authored by Chinua Achebe, literary devices are used in numerous ways. Imagery, Allusions, Metaphors, and many others are used to develop several essential themes and ideas throughout the extent of the story. One key, elaborate, idea maintained throughout Things Fall Apart is the idea of masculinity and femininity as perceived by the main character, Okonkwo, and the whole of Umuofian culture. In summary, Achebe uses several literary devices and techniques to express many views on the abstract, subjective, concepts of masculinity and femininity. In Things Fall Apart, direct characterization, as well as indirect characterization, are key tools in defining masculinity …show more content…

Okonkwo falls under the hero archetype present in many works of literature throughout history. A few of the qualities and actions that are cause for his inclusion into this category include his reputation as a great wrestler, saying “he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat,” (Achebe 1) a great warrior, “[Okonkwo] had shown incredible prowess in two inter-tribal wars,” (Achebe 8) and his willing to act upon his duties such as receiving Ikemefuna in chapter four and travelling to the village to acquire Ikemefuna in chapter two. This idea of Okonkwo, a prime example of manliness, being a hero expresses that Umuofian culture views masculinity as synonymous with many traits of characters who fall under the hero archetype. In conclusion, Chinua Achebe, in his novel Things Fall Apart, uses both indirect and direct characterization, anecdotes, and foils, as well as archetypes to express the strict views Okonkwo and Umuofian culture possess regarding masculinity and femininity. Characterization types show these themes by expressing the traits involved with these ideas, while anecdotes and foils play on these characterizations to create an addition to them. Finally, archetypes express Umuofian views by showing how people with these characterizations are viewed by the Umuofian

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