Illustration of a person holding their head next to a noose and a detached head

Things Fall Apart

by Chinua Achebe

Start Free Trial

Things Fall Apart Questions on Tradition

Things Fall Apart

I believe all the stories within Things Fall Apart are told with multiple purposes.  They teach history of the culture, they teach reasoning as to why certain customs and traditions are...

2 educator answers

Things Fall Apart

The kola nut in Things Fall Apart symbolizes hospitality, respect, and community. It is used in rituals and ceremonies, marking important social interactions and agreements. The act of breaking the...

3 educator answers

Things Fall Apart

The Feast of the New Yam in Things Fall Apart is a celebration to thank and praise the earth goddess, Ani, for fertility and the harvest. It involves offering new yams to Ani, discarding old yams,...

2 educator answers

Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart is structured into three parts, detailing the life of Okonkwo, the Igbo society, and the impact of European colonialism. Key elements include the clash between...

3 educator answers

Things Fall Apart

In Things Fall Apart, village society is economically and politically structured around age, honor, and tradition. Elders lead and make decisions, valued for their wisdom and status. Economic success...

1 educator answer

Things Fall Apart

In Things Fall Apart, the silk cotton tree symbolizes the sacred, enduring traditions of the Ibo people, rooted deeply in their homeland. It stands as a witness to village events and represents life,...

2 educator answers

Things Fall Apart

The proverb of the Tortoise and the Birds in "Things Fall Apart" highlights the ceaseless flying of the tortoise, which is part of Nwoye's fond memories of his mother's stories. These tales,...

1 educator answer

Things Fall Apart

Obierika's doubts in the excerpt reflect his questioning of the clan's traditions, particularly the harsh punishment of Okonkwo for an accidental crime and the practice of abandoning twins. These...

1 educator answer

Things Fall Apart

An Igbo who killed a Christian must flee from the clan due to the traditional Igbo belief system, which mandates exile as punishment for murder to prevent the wrath of the gods. This action maintains...

1 educator answer