Things Fall Apart is a novel by Chinua Achebe that was first published in 1958.
Summary
Read our full plot summary and analysis of Things Fall Apart, chapter by chapter break-downs, and more.
Characters
See a complete list of the characters in Things Fall Apart and in-depth analyses of Okonkwo, Nwoye, Ezinma, Mr. Brown, Ikemefuna, and Unoka.
Literary Devices
Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in Things Fall Apart from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.
Questions & Answers
Explore our selection of frequently asked questions about Things Fall Apart and find the answers you need.
- How does Ikemefuna become Okonkwo’s adopted son?
- Why is Ezinma so special to Okonkwo?
- Why does Nwoye convert to Christianity?
- What causes Okonkwo’s exile from Umuofia?
- Why does Okonkwo hang himself?
- Why are the villagers shocked when Okonkwo beats his wife during the Week of Peace?
- Why are the villagers excited whenever the locusts come?
- Why does Nwoye admire Ikemefuna?
- What warning does Ogbuefi Ezeudu give Okonkwo about killing Ikemefuna?
- Why does Okonkwo kill Ikemefuna?
- Why do the villagers burn Okonkwo’s buildings and kill his animals?
- Why are the villagers confused by Mr. Brown’s ideas?
- What is an egwugwu, and why are the villagers horrified when Enoch unmasks one?
- Why does Okonkwo kill the District Commissioner’s messenger?
- Why can’t Okonkwo be buried?
Quotes
Find the quotes you need to support your Things Fall Apart essay, or refresh your memory of the book by reading these key quotes.
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By Setting
- Igboland
Quick Quizzes
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Essays
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Further Study
Go further in your study of Things Fall Apart with background information, movie adaptations, and links to the best resources around the web.
