Things Fall Apart – Quotes

“He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.”

Obierika explaining how colonialism destroyed Igbo society.

“Okonkwo was not a man of thought but of action.”

Describes his tragic flaw and why he cannot adapt to change.

“Living fire begets cold, impotent ash.”

Okonkwo reflects on how his fiery nature produced a weak son (Nwoye).

“The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion...”

Shows how colonialism entered subtly before taking control.

“Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of being thought weak.”

Reveals Okonkwo’s tragic flaw: fear of becoming like his father. His actions are driven by insecurity.

“There is no story that is not true.”

poken by an elder. Emphasizes the value of oral tradition and how every experience has meaning in Igbo culture.