Objective: In this paper I will identify the author’s purpose by describing the theme and main ideas. Including the characters, language, writing style, imagery, and symbolism I will also discuss why the author chooses to use these devices and how this kind of character, plot event, and type of imagery has helped the reader understand the theme. Things Fall Apart embellishes traditional Igbo life and its first encounter with colonialism and Christianity at the turn of the twentieth century. Achebe recreates this conflict by focusing on the tragic phases leading toward change within their traditions. Adding Okonkwo to be the tragic hero allowed Achebe to express these clashes through this character. Associating his character with burning fire …show more content…
Things Fall Apart is written in an unique way because Achebe combines the cadence of the Ibo people in the book’s dialogue. The narration is straight forward and pinpointed on nature. Several Ibo phrases and words are used showing readers that language is the way Achebe portrays how the Ibo view their world. Proverbs as well as sharing folktale stories that are well known in certain villages assisted in revealing their traditional oral cultures. Explaining history, traditions, nature, and why people act a certain way is all clarified in the stories which are how the people of the village communicated with one another. Towards the end of the book Achebe describes the rough treatment caused on the Igbo people by the white government showing sympathy towards the Umuofia and imagery for the …show more content…
Change is the one thing in life that Americans can always be certain about, likewise for the Igbo. To Okonkwo, folktales, particularly the ones that include animals are a symbol of femininity. He views these stories as a childish love for escapism and excludes useful morals and values. Daughters and mothers are known in Things Fall Apart to share multiple folktales, but when Nwoye chooses to participate in folktales versus war stories Okonkwo fears that his son is too effeminate. A change in a son’s gender interests wouldn’t be tolerated from Okonkwo’s perspective. Despite the views of other parents that allowed their children to participate in any hobbies that interested them regardless of their genders. The theme of change appeared to be a reoccurring battle Okonkwo struggled with throughout this