Things Fall Apart

Our class novel, Things Fall Apart is truly a comprehensive and intricate book. I have only read half of the novel and some moments have already grasped my attention. Okonkwo’s characterization is one of the major points in this book and he tends to shock me every time his actions are mentioned. One vital moment in the book that surprised me is the murder of Ikemefuna. Although Okonkwo was fond of Ikemefuna he let his fear overcome him which caused him to perform an action that was horrible. Okonkwo’s constant fear of being seen as a weak man has affected his life and his families lives, but this was a new extreme I was not expecting! Another moment that stood out to me is when Okonkwo beat one of his wives during the Week of Peace. I am familiar with the fact that Okonkwo rules his home with a heavy hand and wants things done a certain way. But, on the sacred week it was especially unacceptable. Nwoye is also a character that stands out to me. He often seems rejected and has been through a tremendous amount of pain. Without his fathers love he was saddened, until Ikemefuna came around. Ikemefuna caused Nwoye to become a more honorable son and was a role model for him. But then Ikemefuna was taken from Nwoye which broke his heart and caused him to return to his lazy actions. This novel has opened me up to different personalities and a culture which I will enjoy to learn more about.