Things Fall Apart: Plot Summary

Introduction

“Things Fall Apart” is a novel written by Chinua Achebe, set in pre-colonial Nigeria in the 1890s.
The story centres around Okonkwo, a respected warrior in the Umuofia clan of the Igbo people, and his struggle against the changes brought about by colonialism.

Part One

Okonkwo is a fierce warrior whose life is dominated by fear of failure and of weakness.
He despises his father, Unoka, for being idle and imprudent and vows to be everything his father was not.
Okonkwo is married to three women and has several children, including a son, Nwoye, whom he views as effeminate and weak.
An adolescent boy, Ikemefuna, comes to live with Okonkwo’s family as a settlement for a dispute between Umuofia and another clan.
Okonkwo grows fond of Ikemefuna and he, in turn, is revered by Nwoye.
Okonkwo’s masculinity and rigid ideals are constantly at odds with the changing world around him.

Part Two

Okonkwo accidentally kills a clansman during a funeral ceremony and is banished from his village for seven years as punishment.
He moves with his family to his motherland, Mbanta, where he is welcomed by his uncle, Uchendu.
Meanwhile, Christian missionaries and European imperialists arrive, laying the groundwork for colonial rule.
The missionaries are initially mocked but gradually succeed in converting many villagers, including Nwoye, causing further friction between father and son.

Part Three

After seven years, Okonkwo returns to Umuofia to find it much changed by the influence of the missionaries and colonial governance.
Okonkwo desperately tries to reignite traditional values amongst his people, but his efforts are in vain.
During a protest against the colonial institution, Okonkwo kills a European messenger and realizes that his people are unwilling or unable to rebel.
In despair, Okonkwo commits suicide - a grave sin in traditional Igbo culture.

Conclusion

Achebe’s novel presents a tragic story of cultural clash, exploring themes of identity, masculinity, tradition versus change, and the consequences of colonialism.
The title, “Things Fall Apart”, quite literally captures the dramatic unraveling of Okonkwo’s life and the Igbo society.