Things Fall Apart is concerned with the tenuous structures of power within human societies. The novel investigates the effects of power on individuals, as illustrated by Okonkwo’s narrative arc; the principles that result in balanced authority; and the impact of British colonialism on Igbo governance.

Okonkwo’s life course is strongly affected by other people’s attitudes toward power and authority, especially their belief that he sometimes abuses his power. Okonkwo is highly conscious of his respected position within Umuofia, but it is sometimes unclear if he is actually concerned with the responsibilities inherent in authority or if he simply desires the associated power.

Okonkwo has intense pride in his achievements and position. In his attainment of power, he has sought to distinguish himself from his father’s financial debt and perceived inadequacies. In doing so, though, Okonkwo has also distanced himself from his father’s kindness and thoughtfulness—both qualities that can check power and ensure the maintenance of ethics within authority.

However, Achebe also leaves open the possibility that prudence and patience may too easily shade into passivity. While Okonkwo’s impulsiveness is contrasted to the actions and attitudes of more level-headed elders such as Nwakibie and Ogbuefi, their inaction may also have enabled the British interventions that ultimately led to the loss of Igbo self-governance.

Achebe examines the impact of British colonists on Igbo politics. The novel includes British characters who overstep the appropriate bounds of existing hierarchies, particularly in the relations between religion and political power. As Reverend Smith moves into Mr. Brown’s place, for example, he staunchly advocates Igbo conversion to Christianity as the only way to bring them into what he deems civilization. Reverend Smith’s rigidity encourages disrespect and zealotry, and Smith’s arrival can be directly linked to the Christian convert Enoch’s sacrilegious unmasking of an egwugwu during a ceremony. The district commissioner’s views and actions—such as advocating “pacification”—are consistent with Reverend Smith’s stance, and the new policies lead to the novel’s tragic end.