Things Fall Apart: Key Quotes

Introduction

“Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements.” This quote signifies Okonkwo’s prominence and respect at the beginning of the novel and indicates his character traits of ambition and prowess.

Clash of Cultures

“He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.” This signifies the disruptive impact of the arrivals of the Europeans on the Igbo society, underpinning the theme of the clash of cultures.

Resistance and Masculinity

“No matter how prosperous a man was, if he was unable to rule his women and his children (and especially his women) he was not really a man.” This illustrates the dominant ideas of masculinity and power in Igbo society.
“When a man is at peace with his gods and his ancestors, his harvest will be good or bad, according to the strength of his arm.” Okonkwo’s character is rooted in this belief, showing his resistance to change and his adherence to traditional values.

Colonialism

“The white man is very clever. He came quietly with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one.” Depicts the insidious nature of colonialism.
“The white man’s court has decided that it must happen.” This represents the imposition of foreign judgments and laws on the Igbo people.

Tradition

“An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb.” Reflects the importance of proverbs in Igbo culture and how they are the societal lifeblood of communication and tradition.

Identity and Name

“A child’s fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam which its mother puts into its palm.” This quote encapsulates the strong bond of community and familial identity; relation-based identity is pivotal in Igbo society.
“A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” This line reflects the novel’s exploration of what really defines a person’s identity.

Faith and Spirituality

“The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.” This quote reflects a sense of moral and cultural relativism within the novel. The spiritual beliefs of the Igbo are considered valid and meaningful, just like the Christian faith brought by the colonists.