Things Fall Apart Study Guide

Chinua Achebe: A Concise Biography

Chinua Achebe, born Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi, Nigeria, is widely regarded as the father of African literature in English. He grew up in a Christian Igbo family, which profoundly influenced his literary voice, merging traditional African oral storytelling with Western literary forms. Achebe attended Government College in Umuahia and later studied English at the University College of Ibadan, where he developed his critical perspective on colonial literature.

Achebe's debut novel, "Things Fall Apart" (1958), earned him international acclaim and established him as a pivotal figure in postcolonial literature. He went on to write several other significant works, including "No Longer at Ease" (1960), "Arrow of God" (1964), and "Anthills of the Savannah" (1987). Besides his novels, Achebe also wrote essays, short stories, and poetry, frequently addressing themes of African identity, colonialism, and socio-political issues. In addition to his literary pursuits, Achebe was an academic and held various teaching positions, including at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Brown University in the United States.

Achebe received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Man Booker International Prize in 2007. He passed away on March 21, 2013, leaving an enduring legacy as a pioneering voice in African literature.

Historical and Literary Context for "Things Fall Apart"

"Things Fall Apart" is set in pre-colonial Nigeria during the late 19th century, a period marked by the arrival of European missionaries and colonial administrators. This era saw the disruption of traditional African societies as colonial powers imposed their rule and cultural norms. The novel captures the complex dynamics between indigenous cultures and the forces of colonialism.

Literarily, "Things Fall Apart" emerged during a time when African writers were beginning to challenge dominant Western narratives about Africa. Achebe wrote the novel partly in response to books like Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and Joyce Cary's "Mister Johnson," which depicted Africa and its people in a demeaning and stereotypical manner. Achebe sought to present an authentic African perspective, showcasing the richness of Igbo culture and the profound impacts of colonialism on African societies.

The novel's publication in 1958, just two years before Nigeria's independence in 1960, resonated deeply with the burgeoning sense of national identity and self-determination in Africa. "Things Fall Apart" not only provided a counter-narrative to colonial literature but also helped to ignite a broader movement in world literature, where previously marginalized voices began to assert their stories and perspectives. The book's universal themes of change, conflict, and resilience continue to make it relevant and widely studied across the globe.

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