Hello readers! I am back again to discuss all of the important elements of the novel, Things Fall Apart . In the past posts, I explained the basic plot of the story, some of the main characters, and the style that Chinua Achebe uses to get his point across. Although those aspects are key to get a good look into the novel, we also have to learn if it is of literary merit. I am here now to discuss why Chinua Achebe and his novel, Things Fall Apart, should be taught at the AP level. Most of Achebe's books center around the conflicts between traditional life and a new way of life. For example, in Things Fall Apart , the conflict is between native African culture and white Christian missionaries. Chinua Achebe tends to focus his books around the conflict and difference between cultures and the struggle with change that many people have. Along with that, he makes it so the main characters have common flaws and their experiences are relevant and relatable. It is important in every book ...
In this next passage of Things Fall Apart, I especially noticed the style of Chinua Achebe's writing. He tells the story of Okonkwo and the many people affected by his life through the use of third-person omniscient. With this style, we get to see some of Okonkwo's unexpected emotions that other characters don't get to see, and would not realize he has. Especially after Okonkwo played a part in Ikemefuna's death, we notice that he actually feels pain and sadness towards Ikemefuna's death. Okonkwo actually cared for this boy, who was like a son, but he does not allow other people to see his sadness, for fear that it is a weakness. Through the use of this point of view, we know that Okonkwo truly does have emotions, and we can hate his character a little less. Seeing Okonkwo sad makes you want to feel bad for him and forget all of the horrible things he has done. Although Okonkwo is the main focus of the story, we also have to have an insight into what the other c...