English Language and Literature Blog

The content and theme of Ngugi’s extract can be used to show a deeper appreciation of Things Fall Apart. In what ways does this text influence your understanding of Achebe’s use of language and stylistic choices in Things Fall Apart? This text has increased my knowledge of Things Fall Apart due to the multiple similarities shared between it and the latter. In this extract, Ngugi presents to the readers a descriptive account of the language and its harmony that thrived within his community including its destruction shortly after the start of the colonization. This further illustrates the destruction of Igbo society following the missionaries’ arrival and Ngugi's viewpoint is like that of Achebe's. Both Ngugi and Achebe both built authentic perspectives based on their personal knowledge and experiences, further developing the readers understanding on the Igbo culture which allows a reader a more intimate insight into the culture in discussion. Ngugi intensel...

Prompt – The personal history   of an author can have a significant influence on the way meaning is constructed in his/her writing. Comment on specific instances of such influence in Things Fall Apart Thesis Statement: The personal history within Chinua Achebe is a key factor that plays an important role in his novel ‘Things Fall Apart.’ His background as an author influences his or her perception on the world, therefore creating an indirect portrayal of the world through the selection of characters and the development of the plot. Topic Sentence #1: Being raised in a family of Christian converts, Achebe was surrounded by both the Christian and Igbo religions from a young age, gaining precious knowledge which allowed him to see two different perspectives of the world. Topic Sentence #2: A second aspect is the historic context. During Achebe’s childhood, he experienced the undergoing of colonization which influenced his perception of the world. Topic Sentenc...

Chinua Achebe chose to characterize, one of the main characters, Okonkwo by using the tragic hero archetype. Chinua Achebe integrated the tragic hero archetype by creating a character who generally made a judgment error that lead to his own destruction. This archetype is commonly associated with the Igbo culture collapsing which ultimately is a result of Okonkwo's downfall. Throughout the novel, Achebe effectively included indirect characterization in which third narration was demonstrated. As readers work their way through the novel, traits of Okonkwo’s personality seeps through, showing his true colours. Okonkwo, although seen as a tragic heroic, stands stubbornly for the beliefs and tradition of the Igbo culture, by constantly being on the prowl to find new opportunities of achievement. Throughout many sections of the text, Okonkwo shows how much of a conflicted character he is, which was clearly seen when he indirectly tells the reader he doesn’t recognize duality although it ...