Things Fall Apart: A Global Exploration

In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the themes of culture, tradition, and change resonate not only within the narrative’s Igbo society but also across the spectrum of world literature. Write a close-text analysis essay that delves into how these themes, as represented by the character of Okonkwo, transcend cultural boundaries and offer insights into human experiences and societies worldwide. Discuss the factors that mold Okonkwo’s attachment to traditional values, his interactions with other characters, and how these themes are universal in their ability to illuminate the dynamics of change within diverse cultures. Reflect on how Achebe’s narrative techniques, including language, proverbs, and symbolism, create a global conversation about the enduring relevance of tradition and its response to change. Provide specific examples from the text to support your analysis.