Written by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart tells the story of Nigerian village leader Okonkwo and his tragic fall from grace. In an attempt to outlive the shame incurred by his cowardly father, Okonkwo relentlessly strives to become a brave, independent, and responsible man. He is first acknowledged as a champion wrestler, and thinking that it is the cause of his success, quickly becomes obsessed with masculinity. Strong, hard-working, wealthy, and powerful, Okonkwo refuses to show any sign of weakness, acting a brute with his wives and children and making questionable decisions as to not be perceived as cowardly. When a village tradition turns deadly, the qualities that once made Okonkwo great soon become his downfall.
The novel also examines the impact of colonialism and loss of cultural tradition.
