Things Fall Apart: Structure

Overall Structure of “Things Fall Apart”

“Things Fall Apart” is divided into three parts, each symbolising a different stage in protagonist Okonkwo’s life and the Igbo society’s transformation.
The chronological narrative and the absence of flashbacks ensure the linear progression of the story, reflecting the relentless march of time and change.
The novel uses a third-person omniscient point of view, providing an objective and overarching perspective for readers.

Part One spans seven years, encapsulating Okonkwo’s life within his clan, the family rituals, and the traditional Igbo way of life.
Okonkwo’s wrestling triumph over Amalinze the Cat in Part One serves as an introduction to his personality and his value systems.
Folktales and ceremonies are woven into the narrative, contributing to the cultural context for readers and authenticating the precolonial way of life.

Part Two explores the arrival of European missionaries and their first attempts to integrate into or dominate Igbo society.
The significantly shorter duration of Part Two (only three years) compared to Part One indicates the rapid and tumultuous changes brought about by colonialism.
Achebe employs foreshadowing, such as the reference to the iron horse (bicycle), implying the forthcoming arrival of greater technological advancements with the colonisers.

Part Three takes place one year later, featuring a devastating contrast between the traditional Igbo society and the results of forced cultural integration.
Okonkwo’s return to Umuofia after seven years shows the changes colonialism has caused, including the disintegration of the clan.
Okonkwo’s suicide at the end of the novel is a powerful structural device signifying the demise of the traditional Igbo culture and the harsh reality of irrecoverable loss.

Achebe uses traditional Igbo proverbs throughout the narrative to reinforce cultural roots and encapsulate Igbo wisdom.
Songs and rhythms feature prominently, providing an audio dimension to the narrative and further grounding the text in Igbo tradition.

The constant reference to the kola nut ritual, Week of Peace, and the harvest seasons reflect the traditional Igbo calendar and its significance in their lives.
The contrast between the linear perception of time in European cultures and the cyclical concept of time in Igbo society also illustrates the cultural clash.

The structure of “Things Fall Apart” functions not only as a chronological account of the protagonist’s life and the saga of Igbo society but also as a symbolic narrative of the culture’s downfall and transformation.