Things Fall Apart: Chapter 8

Things Fall Apart: Chapter 8

Introduction to Chapter 8

  • Chapter 8 further delves into the life of Okonkwo, highlighting his personal, emotional and circumstantial changes.
  • The chapter continues Achebe’s exploration of traditional values within the Umuofian society and how the protagonist fits within it.
  • It provides new glimpses to the protagonist’s harsh interpretations and actions linked to masculine and societal expectations.

Key Themes

Loss and Sorrow

  • Okonkwo’s emotional turmoil over the departure of Ikemefuna is fully revealed in this chapter, showing a softer side of his personality.
  • He mourns his adopted son, contrary to his previous insistence on detachment, presenting a paradoxical aspect of characterisation.

Social and Personal Norms

  • Okonkwo’s refusal to eat for two days after Ikemefuna’s death illustrates the severity of his distress, a contrast against his conventional masculine image.
  • It brings out the norms in the Umuofian society where men are expected to suppress displays of emotion.

Tradition and Change

  • Ikemefuna’s death marked significant change in Okonkwo’s life, which furthers Achebe’s portrayal of the continuously evolving socio-cultural landscape.

Language Use

  • Achebe’s diction, use of similes and proverbs reflects his deep understanding and rich representation of the Igbo language and culture.
  • Okonkwo’s reaction to his loss, using comparison to women’s grief, clearly illustrates the societal gender roles in Umuofian society.

Symbols

Hardships and Locusts

  • Frequent comparison of hardships to locusts continues, symbolically linking Okonkwo’s current adversities with the impending doom that locusts often herald.
  • This foreshadows greater challenges on the horizon for Okonkwo and the society at large.

Critical Events

  • Okonkwo’s grief over Ikemefuna’s death and his difficulty in coping marks a significant event revealing a stark internal struggle.
  • Okonkwo’s decision to visit his friend Obierika and his criticising the Oracle’s decision subtly highlight his questioning of traditional norms.

Chapter 8 Summary

  • Chapter 8 offers a notable shift in Okonkwo’s character, presenting his softer side that struggles with the harsh expectations of Igbo masculinity.
  • It subtly questions specific societal norms and portrays the protagonists’ inability at personal expression.
  • The impending changes are symbolised through locusts and Okonkwo’s questioning attitude towards traditions foreshadows the future conflicts.