Things
fall apart for both theof the story and the Igbo village of Umuofia in Achebe's classic novel.is
depicted as an aggressive, violent man, who fears being viewed as weak and becoming like his
inept father . Okonkwo's fear of being viewed as weak and effeminate influences him to behave
hostile, rigid, and insensitive.
Despite attaining titles and being one of
Umuofia's most revered men, Okonkwo makes several costly decisions that lead to his demise.
Okonkwo disrupts the Week of Peace by viciously beating his wife, plays a role in 's death, and
accidentally kills Ezeudu's son when his gun goes off during a chaotic funeral ritual. After
accidentally killing Ezeudu's son, Okonkwo is exiled for seven years and loses his titles. When
Okonkwo returns, white colonists have dramatically transformed Umuofia.
The
presence of the white Europeans has gradually eroded the traditional culture and way of life in
the Igbo village. Missionaries have successfully converted many villagers and the European
institutions have had a profound effect on life in Umuofia. Christian churches, trading posts,
schools, and European bureaucracy have transformed Umuofia's landscape and are gradually
replacing the traditional culture.
Okonkwo despises the white men and cannot
contain his anger when he returns home. He ends up beheading a court messenger and hangs himself
before he can be arrested. Achebe's novel portrays how things have fallen apart in Okonkwo's
personal life as well as in his village of Umuofia, which has slowly assimilated into European
culture.
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