Okonkwo

Chinua Achebe's narrative novel, Things Fall Apart, was first published in 1958. The setting is eastern Nigeria in the late 1800s and early 1900s, just prior to and during the British expansion into Umuofia. The theme is that of the struggle and transformation of the traditional Igbo society while under British colonialism. This theme is conveyed by illustrating major events in the life of Okonkwo, a respected tribal leader.

Okonkwo lives a successful life by Igbo standards and is well-respected by his tribesmen, until he accidentally takes the life of one of his clansmen and is banished from the village. After seven years, Okonkwo returns to his village to find it is now subject to colonial laws. Additionally, he finds that his tribe's religious beliefs are rapidly being replaced by Christianity. Okonkwo is opposed to these new practices and struggles to put a stop to the destruction of his Igbo culture. Okonkwo attempts to rally his tribesmen, but finds little support. The tribe is divided, and only a few people continue to defend the Igbo ways. Some have already freely embraced Christianity, while yet others have simply given in to the "white man's" new ways.

In a moment of anger and frustration, Okonkwo kills a messenger from the British District Officer. This final attempt to defend his Igbo world and impress upon his people the need to fight back against the invading European colonialism wins him no support whatsoever. Okonkwo, unable to defend his culture alone and unable to accept the change, hangs himself.