Things Fall Apart Quote Analysis

What ultimately led to Okonkwo's untimely death was coming to the realization that his beloved Ibo culture would never be the same following his return from exile. Okonkwo faithfully practiced the traditions of his ancestors by having polytheistic beliefs, rituals, and his success stemming from farming the “manly” cop of yams. In the novel Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe solidifies the depth religion reaches in establishing individual cultural identity. Religion is a vital component in all aspects of life in Igbo culture as it’s the fabric of their existence, and the white man uses that to his advantage. “The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. - Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the

Now, instead of reacting with violence in opposition of Western imperialist, Okonkwo abandoned the warrior within him and no longer made an effort to defend his clan. “ Okonkwo stood looking at the dead man. He knew that Umuofia would not go to war. He knew because they had let the other messengers escape. They had broken into tumult instead of action.” this quote is the turning point of how Okonkwo’s reactions to Western culture changed. Initially Okonkwo was in blatant opposition towards Christianity and the forcing of the white man's way of life, but shortly after coming to the realization there was no more he could do by himself, Okonkwo became defeated in spirit. In fact after his last attempt to unite this Umuofian brother's and sister's, and failing once more Okonkwo committed suicide. The commissioner along with his men visited his compound later that evening where “...they came to a tree from which Okonkwo’s body was dangling.” It was not until this time members of his clan recognized the power of their cowardly submission the the white man, could result in