Things Fall Apart Quotes

Father Son Relationships

“Okonkwo was ruled by one passion, to hate everything that his father Unoka had loved”
Okonkwo’s character is built around rejecting his father, showing a toxic father son relationship which is heavy in shame

Impact of Colonization and Racial Oppresion

“The white man is very clever…He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.” - Obierika
Colonization breaks the bonds of Igbo society and identity from within

Shame and Pride

 “But I want you to have nothing to do with it. He calls you his father." 

Okonkwo’s pride tells him to kill Ikemefuna as to not appear weak or as a coward, which causes lasting internal shame

Language and Power

“He who brings kola brings life” 

Igbo proverbs are powerful and represent status, wisdom and tradition

Violence and Emotional Conflict

“Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak.”
Emotional fear leads to brutal actions, Okonkwo’s inner conflict manifest into outward violence

Tradition and Change

“He mourned for the clan, which he saw breaking up and falling apart”

Okonkwo represents resistance to change, grieving the loss of traditional life under colonial influence