Grade 11 - Things Fall Apart (TRAGIC END).pptx

Things Fall Apart (TRAGIC END)

1. Conflicting qualities Let’s think !

2. How does the title Things Fall Apart reflect the events in the novel?

3. Things Fall Apart Is a novel by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. It tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected Igbo warrior and farmer, as he struggles to maintain his culture and status during a time of great change. Conflicting qualities The story is set in a fictional village called Umuofia in pre-colonial Nigeria and follows the arrival of European missionaries and colonizers, which causes major upheaval in traditional Igbo society.

4. Key Moments Okonkwo’s rise to success – despite his poor background, he becomes respected. 2. The killing of Ikemefuna – Okonkwo participates in the boy’s death, which haunts him. 3. His exile to his motherland – he is exiled to Mbanta, for seven years , because of accidentally killing a clansman . 4. Return to a changed Umuofia – Christianity and colonial rule have taken root. 5. Okonkwo’s final act – a tragic end that reflects both his despair and the collapse of the old ways.

5. Protagonist: Okonkwo Strong, proud, and determined – He works hard to rise above the shame of his lazy father. Values masculinity – He sees emotions and weakness as feminine and therefore shameful. He was not a man of too many words; he was a man of action. Tragic flaw – His fear of being seen as weak leads him to make harsh decisions. Tragic hero – Like heroes in classical tragedies, his downfall is caused by his own character flaws and the changing world around him.

6. Major Themes Tradition vs. Change The novel shows the clash between traditional Igbo culture and British colonial rule. Okonkwo wants to keep things as they are, but his society is changing, and he can’t stop it. This theme helps us understand how cultural identity can be lost or reshaped under pressure. 2. Colonialism and Cultural conflict Missionaries bring a new religion (Christianity) and a new government. Some villagers accept it, while others resist. Achebe shows how colonialism is not just about politics—it affects religion, family, identity, and power.

7. 3. Masculinity and Gender Roles Okonkwo believes being a man means being strong, unemotional, and dominant. He looks down on anything considered "feminine.“ This leads to personal conflict, especially with his children and wives. 4. Fate vs. Free Will Okonkwo tries to control his destiny, but many events (like the arrival of the colonizers) are beyond his control. This novel explores how individuals deal with forces bigger than themselves.

8. Okonkwo’s t ragic end Okonkwo dies by suicide. After he kills a European messenger, he realizes that his fellow villagers will not fight alongside him against the white government. Overcome with despair and the knowledge that his people will not resist, he hangs himself. This act is considered a grave sin in his Igbo culture, and as a result, he is stripped of all honor and cannot be given a proper burial. His body is considered "evil," and only strangers are allowed to touch and bury it.