General Introduction
Things Fall Apart is one of the defining works of an African author, Chinua Achebe. The novel hit the shelves in 1958. The novel showcases life in Africa before English colonization as well as how English colonizers occupied and destroyed the Igbo culture. The book became a tremendous success and received a positive appraisal around the globe. A contributing factor behind the success of the book lies in the skilful use of symbols to highlight different themes in Things Fall Apart.
Symbols
Fire
Fire is one of the important symbols of the novel as this symbol is directly linked to Okonkwo. It must be noted that one of Okonkwo's titles is "Roaring Flames". Therefore, the symbol of fire signifies Okonkwo's rage and his physical vigour. When Okonkwo is short on words to show off his wrath, he does not hesitate from using his fists first. Okonkwo also terms his son, Novoye, an ash that has come out of the fierce fire, thus hinting at Okonkwo's disregard for his own son.
Locusts
The arrival of locusts plays an important role in highlighting the arrival of English missionaries. Thus, locusts have been used as a symbol for the arrival of the English people. Just like locusts cover the sunlight and bring darkness in broad daylight, Englishmen bring despair and decision to the Igbo culture. But it must be noted that the natives are fond of enjoying locusts as a snack which can signify the establishment of schools for the natives.
Yams
Yams are difficult and challenging to grow and to make a profit from. Yam is utilized as a symbol of manly-vigour and respect. Okonkwo sows the seeds of yams, hoping to climb the social ladder from it. But two attempts are brutally quashed by droughts and heavy rains respectively. But on his third attempt, he becomes successful in scoring a handsome amount of yams, which enables him to climb the social ladder.
Themes
Cultural Change
It depends on the reader of the novel whether Things Fall Apart denotes to the cultural change or cultural destruction. However, the title of the novel denotes to the destruction of the Igbo culture through colonial powers and it is the main theme of this novel. The Umophian clan has a distinct culture to observe like the harvest festival, their distinctive system of justice via Egwugwus, their dance, proverbs, music and folklore. But when English missionaries arrive, the outcasts convert to Christianity. But it takes no time for reverend people of the Umofian clan to embrace Christianity and Christians don't hesitate to unmask an egwugwu which is quite a criminal act in Igbo culture. But no one resists.
Betrayal
Betrayal is another notable theme of this novel. Continuing the evaluation of the previous paragraph, the most prominent betrayal comes in the form of cancelling the resistance against the Englishmen who disrespected their gods by unmasking one egwugwu. This betrayal results in the suicide of Okonkwo as he is utterly dismayed by the inaction from the reverend members of his clans. But Okonkwo himself commits the serious crime of betrayal by killing Ikemefuna who called him his father even when Okonkwo was killing him. But his own son betrays him for murdering Ikemefuna by abandoning the Igbo religion and converting to Christianity.
Fate vs. Free Will
This novel also sets the stage between the battle between fate and free will. In the religious beliefs of Igbo culture, it is believed that a person's fate is determined and controlled by a personal god, formally known as chi. Okonkwo dares to go against his chi by working hard and through his free will, he acquires respect, wealth and a higher social status. However, on Ezedu's death, Okonkwo accidentally shoots his son and is expelled from Umofia. Okonkwo curses his chi for ruining his good life. This thought of his haunts him when he is arrested and released. Thus, Okonkwo rises through his own will, but his downfall is concocted by his chi or fate.
Conclusion
The meanings of Things Fall Apart are made alive through the symbol of fire which highlights the theme of Okonkwo's free will to climb up in his social circle as well as with the symbol of locusts to illustrate the theme of the destruction of culture.
