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Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe
Study Guide
Summary
Plot Overview
Five Key Questions
What Does the Ending Mean?
Summary & Analysis
Chapters 1–3
Chapters 4–6
Chapters 7–8
Chapters 9–11
Chapters 12–13
Chapters 14–16
Chapters 17–19
Chapters 20–21
Chapters 22–23
Chapters 24–25
Characters
Character List
Okonkwo
Nwoye
Ezinma
Mr. Brown
Ikemefuna
Unoka
Main Ideas
Themes
Plot Analysis
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Motifs
Symbols
Genre
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Key Facts
What’s with the Proverbs in
Things Fall Apart
?
Quotes
Important Quotations Explained
Quotes By Theme
Generational divide
Pride
Repression
Drum language
Ethnographic distance
Quotes By Section
Chapters 1–3
Chapters 4–6
Chapters 7–8
Chapters 9–11
Chapters 12–13
Chapters 14–16
Chapters 17–19
Chapters 20–21
Chapters 22–23
Chapters 24–25
Quotes By Character
Okonkwo
Nwoye
Ezinma
Mr. Brown
Ikemefuna
Unoka
Further Study
Context
Things Fall Apart on the Eve of Nigerian Independence
Achebe at the Crossroads of European Modernism and African Realism
Movie Adaptations
Full Book Quiz
Section Quizzes
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Chapters 1-3
Chapters 4-6
Chapters 7-8
Chapters 9-11
Chapters 12-13
Chapters 14-16
Chapters 17-19
Chapters 20-21
Chapters 22-23
Chapters 24-25
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Companion Texts
Writing Help
How to Write Literary Analysis
Suggested Essay Topics
Sample A+ Essay
How to Cite This SparkNote
Further study
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quiz
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quiz
1
of 5
What does the use of Igbo words, folktales, proverbs, and songs do to the story?
It shows the richness and complexity of Igbo culture and language.
It proves Igbo culture is confusing and inferior to European culture.
It demonstrates Reverend Smith had to act the way he did.
It added little to the story.
2
of 5
What does Okonkwo believe are the proper outer displays of manliness?
A hearty appetite, womanizing, extravagant displays of wealth
Storytelling, restraint, wit
Aggression, violence, anger, ambition
Chivalry, valor, strong sword fighting skills
3
of 5
Why do Igbo outcasts join the Church?
The village elders force them to join.
The Church provides a refuge from the strict Igbo social system that rejects them.
Mr. Brown promises them new homes and jobs in exchange for converting.
The District Commissioner imprisons them if they don’t.
4
of 5
What is chi?
An individual’s personal god that determines his/her fortune
A type of tea that the Igbo make
An ointment made from palm leaves for treating minor burns
Showing off, bragging
5
of 5
What do the locusts symbolize?
Fertility, good harvest, bounty
The marginalization of effeminate males within Igbo society
Okonkwo’s intense and dangerous anger
The white settlers who will come and exploit the villagers
Previous section
Analysis of Major Characters Quick Quiz
Next section
Chapters 1-3 Quick Quiz
Things Fall Apart: Popular pages
CHARACTERS
Character List
CHARACTERS
Okonkwo: Character Analysis
MAIN IDEAS
Plot Analysis
MAIN IDEAS
What’s with the Proverbs in
Things Fall Apart
?
QUOTES
Quotes by Theme
FURTHER STUDY
Review Quiz
