Things Fall Apart Book #3

Ezinma

Ezinma, Okonkwo’s favorite daughter, represents hope and a break from traditional gender roles. Her father often laments that she should have been born a boy because of her strong character. Her role reflects the tension between gender expectations and individual potential in Igbo society.

Abraham & Isaac

This biblical reference ties to the arrival of Christianity in Igbo society, often symbolized by the missionaries Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith. The story of Abraham and Isaac parallels the sacrifices made during colonization—where traditional Igbo beliefs were metaphorically "sacrificed" to make way for Christianity.

Okonkwo decided to sacrifice Ikemefuna, in order to proof his identity.

Enoch

A Christian that is zealous over his religion, his father is the priest for the snake cult; he is accused of eating and killing the sacred python

narration/language change

people in the clan used to speak their own language however, people started speaking in english as people got “educated”

jail/corruption/trap

Kotma

court messengers the native Africans hired by the British to carry out their law enforcement activities; also called kotma. Kotma is a Pidgin English word derived from the words court and messenger.

Chukwu

The God of the small gods

ozo society

Name of one of the title/marks

The Ozo society in Igbo culture is a prestigious group made up of respected men who have earned titles in their community. It is a symbol of wealth, honor, and leadership. Joining the Ozo society is a big achievement, as it requires paying a lot of money and following important rituals.

okonkwo's return

District commissioner/Mr. Brown/Mr. Smith

• District Commissioner: Represents the cold, bureaucratic face of colonial rule, reducing rich cultural histories to ethnographic footnotes.

• Mr. Brown: A more conciliatory missionary who respects Igbo traditions and seeks dialogue.

• Mr. Smith: A rigid, zealous Christian who fuels conflict by rejecting compromise. The contrast between Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith illustrates different colonial strategies—assimilation vs. domination.

clan reaction to colonialism/Enoch

He has throughly became an overzealous believer, and that he went too overboard he decided to kill an “egwugwu"“ through touring his mask off.

revenge v vengeance

Revenge is when you intake an action that is right but there will be a consequence, while vengeance is when you do something right there will not be a consequence

suicide and burial of Okonkwo

Okonkwo’s suicide signifies ultimate defeat. By taking his own life, he violates Igbo traditions, making his burial taboo. His death symbolizes the irreversible impact of colonialism on individuals and traditions, marking the end of an era.

Assembly

When Okonkwo has killed the messenger,

how the end fits Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche/ Chinua Achebe's purposes

White people writes the history, everything is on their perspective