Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 3, Chapter 20

Summary

In 'Things Fall Apart', Okonkwo returns to Umuofia with ambitions to reclaim lost time, expand his compound, and secure titles for his sons. However, he finds his village transformed by the encroaching church and British rule, with locals embracing Christianity and a court system that alienates traditional values. Okonkwo's struggle to adapt to these changes reflects the broader disintegration of Igbo society as it grapples with colonialism and the erosion of its once-unified culture.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Okonkwo returns to his village with ambitions to rebuild his life and status after his exile.
• 💪 He plans to regain lost time by expanding his compound, taking new wives, and ensuring his sons gain titles.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Okonkwo's patriarchal mindset is evident in his desire to raise his sons as men and his dismissive attitude towards daughters.
• 🌱 Achebe portrays a society in transition as Okonkwo finds his village changed by the influence of the Christian Church and British colonial rule.
• 🏛 The growth of the church and the presence of the court signify the erosion of traditional Igbo practices and values.
• 👮‍♂️ The court's messengers, who enforce British laws, are resented by the villagers and nicknamed 'Ashy Buttocks'.
• 🔪 Okonkwo's friend Obierika laments the disunity among the clansmen, noting that the white man's arrival has sown discord.
• 🤔 Okonkwo struggles to comprehend the magnitude of the changes, focusing on personal ambitions rather than collective challenges.
• 🏙️ The novel illustrates the impact of colonialism on Igbo society, showing how it fragments the community and undermines traditional authority.
• 🤝 Despite the challenges, Okonkwo and Obierika's silent reflection represents a shared concern for their society's future.

Q & A

What is Okonkwo's plan upon returning to Umuofia?

Okonkwo plans to regain the seven years he lost during his exile, build a bigger compound, take two new wives, get titles for his sons, and show off his wealth by initiating them into the most exclusive circles of clan society.

How does Okonkwo view Azieema, his daughter?

Okonkwo is especially close to Azieema, who grew up during his exile. He sees her as a beautiful young woman who understands him and carries out his requests.

What significant changes does Okonkwo find in the village upon his return?

Upon returning, Okonkwo finds that the church has grown, including high-ranking men who have abandoned traditional ways. There is also a court with an English district commissioner, court messengers, and a prison.

What is the villagers' nickname for the court messengers, and why do they dislike it?

The villagers call the court messengers 'Ashy Buttocks,' a nickname that infuriates them and causes them to become more violent and aggressive.

Why does Obierika believe it is too late for the clan to fight against the changes?

Obierika reminds Okonkwo of the fate of the Aba May people and explains that it is too late because the clan has already fallen apart, with many of its members joining the strangers.

How does Obierika describe the impact of the white man's arrival on the clan?

Obierika says the white man was smart to come quietly and peaceably, and that he has put a knife on the things that held the clan together, causing them to fall apart.

What is Okonkwo's attitude towards the traditional titles in the face of the new power structures?

Okonkwo remains determined that his sons will gain titles, willfully ignoring that the titles don't matter anymore as power has shifted to the Christian Church and the British government.

What does Okonkwo fail to see about his daughter Azieema?

Okonkwo can sense the fire within Azieema but fails to value it in a woman, reflecting his patriarchal beliefs.

How does the chapter end in terms of Okonkwo and Obierika's response to the challenges faced by the clan?

The chapter ends with Okonkwo and Obierika sitting together in silence, as they have no answers to the challenges the clan faces.

What does the title 'Things Fall Apart' signify in the context of Part Three of the novel?

The title signifies the devastation wrought by the white men and the undermining of traditional practices of justice, religion, and community, leading to the disintegration of the clan's unity.

How does Okonkwo's patriarchal mindset affect his view of his daughter's capabilities?

Okonkwo's patriarchal mindset prevents him from recognizing and valuing the strength and capabilities of his daughter Azieema, despite her evident understanding and support of his wishes.