Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe Synopses Okonkwo is

Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe

Synopses • Okonkwo is a wealthy and respected warrior of the Umuofia clan, a Nigerian tribe that is part of nine interconnected villages. He is haunted by the actions of Unoka, his cowardly father, who died in disgrace, leaving many village debts unsettled. In response, Okonkwo became a clansman, warrior, farmer, and family provider. Okonkwo lives his life normally until he is exiled after a accident at the funeral of a clan leader.

Theme • Self Image- Okonkwo didn’t want to be seen as a weak man. He wanted his village good memories of him and he didn’t want to perceived the same way his father was.

Symbols • The Kola Nut- the Kola nut is offered as a sign of peace and respect. They are also used as sacrificial items to the Gods. • Fire- fire represents Okonkwo’s rage and aggression towards other villagers

Chinua Achebe • Born in Eastern Nigeria November 16 th 1930 Full name Albert Chinualumoge Achebe • Grew up with two parents and 8 siblings

• Studied at University of Ibadan • 1958 Things Fall Apart goes ground breaking selling 12 million+ copies 1960’s- said to be his fertile stage In 10 years came out with 16 novels

• 1990 - Visiting back into Nigeria Got into a trauma car accident Left him paralyzed from the waist down Wheelchair for the rest of his life • Ten years later Became a professor at Brown University in Provence, Rhode Island • Died in March of 2013 at the age of 82, in Boston, Massachusetts

Sales Pitch • Come to Africa for outstanding yams and our great entertainment, in the book Things Fall Apart, you feel as if you went through all of their traditions and lives.

Quotes • “The best book I ever read” Oprah • “The author of this book, Chinua Achebe, shows the world of Okonkwo and how he changes throughout the book. ” Betty White • “His top seller is the best, he brings theme of self image to life for Okonkwo towards not wanting to be like his father and checking himself. ” Nelson Mandela • An amazing imagination of Chinua that helps you see the life of all his characters and what Africa was really like in the 1920’s” Barack Obama

Oknokwo • An influential clan leader in Umuofia. Okonkwo’s hard work and prowess in war have earned him a position of high status in his clan, and he attains wealth sufficient to support three wives and their children. Okonkwo’s tragic flaw is that he is terrified of looking weak like his father. As a result, he behaves impulsively, bringing trouble and sorrow upon himself and his family. • Actor: Denzel Washington • Award: Biggest A**hole

Nowye • Okonkwo’s oldest son, whom Okonkwo believes is weak and lazy. Okonkwo constantly beats Nwoye, hoping to correct the faults that he sees in him. • Actor: Marc John Jefferies • Award: Most Lazy

Ekwefi • Okonkwo’s second wife, Ekwefi ran away from her first husband to live with Okonkwo. Ezinma is her only surviving child, her other nine having died in infancy, and Ekwefi constantly fears that she will lose Ezinma as well. • Actresses: Gabourey Sidibe • Award: Most Beaten

Mr. Brown • The first white missionary to travel to Umuofia. He becomes friends with prominent clansmen and builds a school and a hospital in Umuofia. • Actor: Kevin Spacey • Award: Most Intrusive

Unoka • Okonkwo’s father, of whom Okonkwo has been ashamed since childhood. By the standards of the clan, Unoka was a coward and a spendthrift. He motivates Okonkwo to be the man he is. • Actor: Samuel Jackson • Award: The Town Drunk

Obierika • Okonkwo’s close friend, Obierika looks out for his friend, selling Okonkwo’s yams to ensure that Okonkwo won’t suffer financial ruin while in exile and comforting Okonkwo when he is depressed. • Actor: Jamie Foxx • Award: Most Respectable