Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe

What was some of Okonkwo’s Traits?

• Strong

• Ambitious

• Aggressive

• Intense

• Proud

What was Okonkwo’s Reputation?

He was famous for defeating Amalinze the Cat, a feat that brought him early fame.

What was Okonkwo’s Personality?

• Easily Angered

• Uses Violence

• Despises weakness (especially in men)

What is Okonkwo’s Motivation?

He is driven by a deep fear of becoming like his father.

What is Okonkwo’s physical description?

• huge

• powerful build

• walks on “springs” as if ready to fight

• heavy breather

• intense presence

What was some of Unoka’s Traits?

• Gentle

• cheerful

• musical

• lazy

• irresponsible

What is Unoka’s Reputation?

• Poor

• In debt

• Laughed at by villagers

What is Unoka’s Lifestyle?

He spent money on music, wine, and friendship rather than saving or planning

What is Unoka’s Legacy?

He is remembered more for his talents and warmth than for achievements or status.

What are the themes of this Novel

• Success

  • Okonkwo’s identity is shaped by traditional ideas of manhood: physical strength, aggression, and financial success.

  • Unoka is portrayed as everything Okonowo fears: gentle, artistic, and financially unstable.

• Fear of Failure

  • Okonkwo’s drive comes from a deep-rooted fear of ending up like his father.

  • His success is tied to his refusal to adopt any of Unoka’s traits, even positive ones.

• Cultural Values

  • The community honors physical strength, accomplishments, and reputation.

What is Imagery?

visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.

What is Simile?

A figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as."

What is the relationship between Okonkwo and Unoka (son and father)

The relationship is characterized by Okonkwo's disdain for his father's lack of success and masculinity, leading him to embody the opposite traits. Okonkwo's motivations are heavily influenced by a fear of being perceived as weak, like Unoka.

What is an example of Symbolism?

Wrestling Match represents the struggle between tradition and change in the novel.