THE AUTHOR’S BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Chinua Achebe born Albert Chinualumogu Achebe 16, November 1930 – 21, March 2013 was a Nigerian Novelist, Poet, Professor and Critic. He was best known for his first novel and magnum opus; “Things Fall Apart” (1958), which is the most widely read book in Modern African Literature.
SUMMARY
The book focuses on the clash between colonialism and traditional culture though Okonkwo is a respected man, from Umuofia tribe of the Igbo people, he lives in fear of becoming his father – a man known for his laziness and cowardice through his life. Okonkwo attempts to be his father polar opposite from an early age, he builds his home and reputation as a precious wrestler and hand-working farmer. Okonkwo’s efforts pay off big time and he becomes wealthy through his crops and scores through his wives.
Okonkwo life is shaken up when an accidental murder takes place and Okonkwo ends up adopting a boy from another village. The boy is named Ikemefuna and Okonkwo comes to love him like a son. Infact, he loves him more than his natural son Nwoye. After three years, the tribe decides that Ikemefuna must die. When the men of Umuofia take Ikemefuna into the forest to slaughter him Okonkwo actually participated in the murder. Although he’s just killed his adoptive son, Okonkwo shows no emotion because he wants to be seen as Mr. Macho and not be weak like his own father was.