From Tradition to Modernity: The Enduring Relevance of 'Things Fall Apart'

When things fall apart; center cannot hold

Chinua Achebe began his novel with an epigraph from WB Yeats poem "Second Coming" The title of the novel is also taken from these lines:

"Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world."

In the field of literature, certain works transcend the boundaries of time and culture and stand as timeless pillars. Chinua Achebe's masterpiece, 'Things Fall Apart', is one such literary gem that has captivated readers for generations. As we delve into the intricately woven narrative within its pages, we uncover deep insights into the complexities of tradition, the clash of cultures and the indomitable spirit of resistance. In this SEO-optimized long-form essay, we embark on a journey through the thematic landscapes of 'Things Fall Apart', exploring its enduring relevance in the context of tradition and modernity. 

Superstitions, myths and legends

Superstitions, myths and legend are all part of any community and would even be greatly differ from one community to another. This idea has a great deal in the novel, whatever the Igbo people believed, their tradition, their custom and everything was considered as naïve by the Europeans who come to colonize their land. These superstations, legends, myths and even proverbs play a major role in the life of the Igbo people and has a great significances in the novel as well.

Igbo people believed in the importance of hard work and this is evident from the words of Okonkwo in the first chapter; “Our elders say that the sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those who kneel under them.” They had the fear of darkness; expect on the moonlight nights the community would be very quiet. Children were warned not to whistle at nights for the fear of evil spirits. “Dangerous animals became even more sinister and uncanny in the dark. A snake was never called by its name at night, because it would hear.”(pg.12) Nobility was achieved by men who fought war and brought the head of the enemy to the village, on great occasions they drank palm-wine in human head. These men decided on war according to the choice of victim or victim’s people on war or offer a virgin as compensation. “An ultimatum was immediately dispatched to Mbaino asking them to choose between war or on the other hand, and on the offer of a young lad and a virgin as compensation.”(pg.14) also they listened to the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves before any war, they believed that if the oracle prohibits the war the defeat on their side was definite.

People of Igbo community makes shrines near their house where they keep wooden symbols of their personal god and of their ancestral spirits, they worshipped them with sacrifices and kola nut, food and palm-wine, and offered prayers. They believed in personal god or “chi” as they called it. The “chi” is an individual’s personal god, whose merit is determined by the individual’s good fortune or lack thereof. Along the lines of this interpretation, one can explain Okonkwo’s tragic fate as the result of a problematic “chi” a thought that occurs to Okonkwo at several points in the novel. For the clan believes, as the narrator tells us in Chapter 14, a “man could not rise beyond the destiny of his ‘chi’.”Unoka had a bad chi or personal god, and evil fortune followed him to the grave, or rather to his death, for he had no grave. He died of the swelling which was an abomination to the earth goddess. When a man was afflicted with swelling in the stomach and the limbs he was not allowed to die in the house. He was carried to the Evil Forest and left there to die. There was a story which was prominent among Igbo “story of a very stubborn man who staggered back to his house and had to be carried again to the forest and tied to a tree. The sickness was an abomination to the earth, and so the victim could not be buried in her bowels. He died and rotted away above the earth, and was not given the first or the second burial.”

They also observed a “peace week” before the farming season, when any act of violence is punishable. Okonkwo was punished during such a time when he beat his wife for some silly reason. “You know as well as I do that our forefathers ordained that before we plant any crops in the earth we should observe a week in which a man does not say a harsh word to his neighbor. We live in peace with our fellows to honor our great goddess of the earth without whose blessing our crops will not grow.” Also, any person how die during this period was not given proper burial. “If a man dies at this time he is not buried but cast into the Evil Forest.”

The Feast of the New Yam was held every year before the harvest began, to honor the earth goddess and the ancestral spirits of the clan, and it was the beginning of a new year. “On the last night before the festival, yams of the old year were all disposed of by those who still had them. The new year must begin with tasty, fresh yams and not the shriveled and fibrous crop of the previous year.”

They also had the tradition were you answer someone’s call by “is that me?” instead of “yes”, "Is that me? Ekwefi called back. That was the way people answered calls from outside. They never answered yes for fear it might be an evil spirit calling.” Another superstition they had was regarding death of children, they believed some children dead in early age may return as next child, they were called “Ogbanje”. “After the death of Ekwefi's second child, Okonkwo had gone to a medicine man, who was also a diviner of the Oracle, to inquire what was amiss. This man told him that the child was an Ogbanje, one of those wicked children who, when they died, entered their mothers' wombs to be born again.” They mutilate the bodies of such children and throw it in the Evil Forest.

Superstitions, legends and myths which are all part of every human settlement are part of human existence and it constitutes our culture, author Chinua Achebe clarify elements of Igbo culture to a non-Igbo reader through this book and it makes the novel much more appealing as well as interesting. Beliefs in oracle, and so on can be found in many other classics signifying that it was practiced in western culture as well and thus such superstition get a universal significance through the readers.

'Things Fall Apart' is a cultural sign

At the heart of 'Things Fall Apart' is the rich tapestry of Igbo culture, meticulously depicted by Achebe in vivid imagery and nuanced storytelling. From the bustling village life to the sacred rituals that define social norms, the novel provides a broad view of pre-colonial Nigeria. Through the protagonist Okonkwo, we are introduced to the intricacies of Igbo traditions, customs and belief systems that serve as the foundation of communal harmony.

Clash of Cultures: Tradition and Modernity

As the winds of change blow across the Nigerian landscape with the arrival of colonial powers, 'Things Fall Apart' navigates the turbulent waters of cultural conflict. The collision between tradition and modernity becomes evident as the once immovable pillars of Igbo society begin to crumble under the weight of external influences. Achebe brilliantly depicts the tensions that arise when traditional values collide with the encroaching tide of colonialism, leaving a trail of destruction and upheaval in its wake.

Themes of identity and resilience

Amid the chaos and turmoil, 'Things Fall Apart' emerges as a brilliant exploration of identity and resilience in the face of adversity. Through the lens of Okonkwo's personal journey, he witnesses the struggles of individuals facing the erosion of their cultural heritage and the quest for self-preservation. Despite his trials and tribulations, Achebe infuses the narrative with a tenacity, highlighting the unwavering spirit that perseveres even in the darkest of times.

Character analysis

• Okonkwo: The hero of the novel is a strong and determined Igbo warrior who strives to uphold the traditions and values of his community. He is deeply motivated by a fear of weakness and failure, stemming from his father's perceived shortcomings. Okonkwo's complex personality and inner conflicts drive much of the plot as he struggles with the challenges of navigating a changing world while holding on to his traditional beliefs.
• Nwoye: Okonkwo's eldest son, Nwoye initially struggles to live up to his father's expectations and is often overshadowed by his more assertive siblings. As the novel progresses, Nwoye undergoes a significant transformation, questioning the rigid gender roles and cultural practices enforced by her father. His journey highlights the generational divide and tension between tradition and individual autonomy.
• Ezinma: Okonkwo's beloved daughter, Ezinma, is portrayed as wise beyond her years and fiercely independent. Despite the restrictions placed on women in Igbo society, Ezinma defies traditional gender norms and earns her father's respect and admiration. Her close relationship with Okonkwo serves as a source of emotional depth and vulnerability amid the novel's larger themes of strength and masculinity.
• Ikemefuna: Ikemefuna, a boy from a neighboring village, was taken in by Okonkwo's family as part of a peace settlement. Although initially afraid of him, Ikemefuna develops a close relationship with Okonkwo's family, especially Nwoi. However, his tragic fate underscores the brutality of Igbo customs and the sacrifices that tradition demands.
• Oberika: Okonkwo's close friend and confidant, Oberika serves as a voice of reason and perspective throughout the novel. Unlike Okonkwo, Oberika is more pragmatic and reflective, offering insights into the changing dynamics of Igbo society and the consequences of colonialism. His friendship with Okonkwo provides a balance to Okonkwo's enthusiasm and strict adherence to tradition.

The enduring legacy of 'Things Fall Apart'

Decades after its initial publication, 'Things Fall Apart' continues to resonate with readers around the world, cementing its status as a literary classic. Its exploration of timeless themes such as the clash of cultures, the loss of tradition and the resilience of the human spirit ensure its relevance across generations. As we reflect on the enduring legacy of 'Things Fall Apart,' we are reminded of the power of literature to transcend cultural boundaries and illuminate the universal truths that connect us all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Things Fall Apart' stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to capture the essence of the human experience. Through its exploration of tradition, modernity, and the resilience of the human spirit, Achebe's masterpiece continues to inspire and provoke thought, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of our changing world. As we navigate the currents of tradition and modernity in our own lives, the lessons gleaned from 'Things Fall Apart' act as guides, lighting the path to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Where to get Things fall apart PDF?

Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" is still under copyright protection even though the author passed away in 2013. Therefore, it is not legally available as a copyright-free PDF. However, you may find some unauthorized copies circulating on the Internet, but it is important to respect copyright laws and support authors by purchasing their work through legitimate channels. Many libraries offer copies for borrowing, and the book is widely available for purchase in physical and digital formats from reputable retailers.