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Things Fall Apart

by Chinua Achebe

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In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, it is no coincidence that the standards of greatness valued in Umuofia bear a striking resemblance to the masculine standards that Okonkwo holds dear. Indeed, Okonkwo’s clan values many of the manly qualities that Okonkwo strives to embody. Early in the novel, when Okonkwo is initially described, Achebe illustrates the traits that determine greatness in Umuofia:

“Okonkwo was clearly cut out for great things. He was still young but he had won fame as the greatest wrestler in the nine villages. He was a wealthy farmer and had two barns full of yams, and had just married his third wife. To crown it all he had taken two titles and had shown incredible prowess in two inter-tribal wars. And so although Okonkwo was still young, he was already one of the greatest men of his time” (8).

Umuofia values those qualities that are perceived as masculine. They value men who are able to take on tribal titles and accrue wealth in the form of crops, huts, and even wives and children. Moreover, warriors hold an important position within the clan. This is why Okonkwo rises to prominence in such a relatively brief period of time. He embodies these masculine values with his prowess as a wrestler, warrior, and successful farmer.

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