📚 Things Fall Apart
A Novel
"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world."
About This Masterpiece
Published in 1958, Things Fall Apart is Chinua Achebe's groundbreaking novel that tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior, and his village's encounter with European colonialism in late 19th-century Nigeria.
Through Okonkwo's tragic journey, Achebe explores themes of cultural identity, tradition versus change, and the devastating impact of colonialism on African societies. The novel challenges Western perspectives on African culture and history.
Considered a foundational work of African literature, Things Fall Aparthas been translated into over 50 languages and continues to be studied worldwide for its powerful narrative and cultural significance.
Key Themes
Explore the Village
Navigate the cultural complexities of pre-colonial Nigeria through our interactive features
Pre-Colonial Nigeria: The World of Achebe
Igbo Society
The Igbo people had a complex social structure with democratic elements, including village assemblies and councils of elders. Their society was organized around extended families and clans, with a rich cultural heritage including art, music, and oral traditions.
Religious Beliefs
Traditional Igbo religion was polytheistic, with belief in a supreme god (Chukwu) and numerous lesser deities. Ancestral worship and spiritual practices were central to community life, providing moral guidance and social cohesion.
Economic Life
Agriculture was the foundation of Igbo economy, with yam farming being particularly important. The novel shows how farming success was tied to social status and masculinity, with the yam harvest determining a man's standing in the community.
Colonial Arrival
British missionaries and administrators arrived in the late 19th century, bringing Christianity, Western education, and colonial administration. This encounter would fundamentally transform Igbo society and culture, often through force and coercion.
Begin Your Cultural Journey
Will you witness the fall, or understand the forces that caused it?
🌍 Enter the Village