Things Fall Apart: Top Ten Character Quotes (plus analysis…)

Okonkwo

“Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond.” This quote solidifies Okonkwo as a prominent, revered figure within his society and exhibits the power of personal hard work and achievements.
“Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand.” This emphasizes Okonkwo’s staunch traditionalism, symbolising his authoritative and active enforcement of the societal hierarchy and gender dynamics within his household.
“He had a slight stammer and whenever he was angry… he would use his fists.” Okonkwo’s stammer, often seen as a weakness, makes him react with physical aggression instead, further emphasising the importance of strength in his character.

“Unoka was never happy when it came to wars. He was in fact a coward and could not bear the sight of blood.” Unoka is presented as pacifistic, a stark contrast to his son, reflecting the differing personal attributes acknowledged in the same societal framework.
“Why should a man suffer so much just because he has a big heart and made a mistake?” Unoka’s philosophical enquiry delves into themes of human error, kindness and understanding. This contrasts dramatically with Okonkwo’s rigid definitions of success and failure.

“Nwoye had always been fond of the stories of his mother… But he now knew that they were for foolish women and children…” This quote highlights Nwoye’s transition from childhood to adulthood, symbolising the societal moulding of gender roles and emphasising the gender dynamics.
“He could hear in his mind’s ear the blood-stirring and awesome answer of the clan…” This anticipation of collective response testifies to the potent influence of the clan’s unity and collective identity on individual members like Nwoye.

“She should have been a boy, and he muttered to himself.” Okonkwo’s lament speaks volumes about how Ezinma subverts conventional gender roles, evident in the admiration she earns despite being a girl.

“The white man is very clever…He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.” The Oracle’s prophecy underlines the novel’s central theme of colonial disruption of traditional African society.

“Agbala do-o-o-o… She turned round sharply and went away,” Chielo’s transformation highlights the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and rigid societal norms within Igbo culture, and their dramatic contrasts with incoming western influences.